Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Tengo una pelota (I have a ball)
Practice using 'Tengo' with toys.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Conjugate the verb 'tener' in the present indicative, present subjunctive, and imperfect subjunctive moods.
Construct complex sentences expressing wishes, doubts, and emotions about having a ball using the subjunctive mood.
Formulate hypothetical situations using 'si' clauses with the imperfect subjunctive and conditional tenses (e.g., 'Si tuviera una pelota...').
Use clauses of purpose with 'para que' followed by the subjunctive to explain why someone has or needs a ball.
Correctly replace 'la pelota' with the direct object pronoun 'la' in various sentence structures.
Differentiate between the indicative and subjunctive moods when discussing possession in different contexts.
You know how to say...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Indicative MoodThe mood used to express facts, certainty, and objective reality. It states what is.Tengo una pelota. (I have a ball. - This is a fact.)
Subjunctive MoodThe mood used to express subjectivity, including wishes, emotions, doubts, recommendations, and hypothetical situations. It states what is desired, possible, or uncertain.Espero que tengas una pelota. (I hope that you have a ball. - This is a wish, not a fact.)
Present Subjunctive of 'Tener'The conjugation of 'tener' used for current wishes, doubts, or emotions. The forms are: tenga, tengas, tenga, tengamos, tengáis, tengan.Dudo que él tenga la pelota. (I doubt that he has the ball.)
Imperfect Subjunctive of 'Tener'The conjugation of 'tener' used in hypothetical...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
WEIRDO Verbs + 'que' + Subjunctive
Verb of Wish/Emotion/Doubt + 'que' + Different Subject + Verb in Subjunctive
When the main clause expresses a Wish, Emotion, Impersonal expression, Recommendation, Doubt, or Ojalá (WEIRDO), and the subject of the second clause is different, the verb in the second clause must be in the subjunctive. This is the primary trigger for the subjunctive mood.
Clauses of Purpose: 'Para que'
'Para que' + Subjunctive
To express the purpose or intention of an action ('so that', 'in order that'), use the phrase 'para que' followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjects of the two clauses are usually different.
Hypothetical 'Si' Clauses
Si + Imperfect Subjunctiv...
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Challenging
Your friend says, 'I know you have the ball.' ('Sé que tienes la pelota.'). How would you change this sentence to express your HOPE that your friend has the ball?
A.Espero que tienes la pelota.
B.Espero que tengas la pelota.
C.Espero que tuvieras la pelota.
D.Espero que tendrías la pelota.
Challenging
Which sentence correctly explains the error in 'Si yo tendría una pelota, la compartiría'?
A.The verb after 'si' in a hypothetical clause must be in the imperfect subjunctive ('tuviera'), not the conditional ('tendría').
B.The verb 'compartiría' should be in the future tense ('compartiré').
C.The direct object pronoun 'la' should be placed at the end of the verb.
D.The subject 'yo' is unnecessary and should be removed.
Challenging
Which sentence best synthesizes these three elements: 1) a purpose for having the ball, 2) the subjunctive mood, and 3) the correct use of the direct object pronoun for 'la pelota'?
A.Necesito la pelota para que la pateamos.
B.Para que la pateemos, la necesitamos la pelota.
C.Necesitamos la pelota para que la pateemos.
D.Necesitamos la pelota para que la pateamos.
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