Question 1

How do I form the future tense in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

The future tense is formed by adding the endings -é, -ás, -á, -emos, -éis, -án directly to the infinitive of the verb. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablaré' (I will speak). There are 12 common irregular verbs that use a different stem, such as 'decir' (diré), 'hacer' (haré), and 'tener' (tendré). The endings remain the same for all verbs.

Question 2

When do I use the perfect tense vs the preterite?

Accepted Answer

The perfect tense (e.g., 'he comido') is used for actions that have happened recently or have relevance to the present. In Spain, it is common for actions that occurred today or this week. The preterite (e.g., 'comí') is used for completed actions in the past with no connection to the present. For example, 'Hoy he desayunado a las ocho' (today) vs 'Ayer desayuné a las ocho' (yesterday).

Question 3

What is the pluperfect tense and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

The pluperfect tense (pluscuamperfecto) describes an action that had already happened before another past action. It is formed with the imperfect of 'haber' (había, habías, había, habíamos, habíais, habían) plus the past participle. For example, 'Cuando llegué, ya habían comido' (When I arrived, they had already eaten). It is often used in narratives to clarify the order of events.

Question 4

How do I form the conditional tense?

Accepted Answer

The conditional tense is formed by adding the endings -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían to the infinitive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablaría' (I would speak). Irregular verbs use the same stems as the future tense, such as 'diría' (from decir) and 'haría' (from hacer). The conditional is used to express hypothetical actions or polite requests.

Question 5

What triggers the present subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

The present subjunctive is used after certain expressions that indicate doubt, emotion, desire, necessity, or uncertainty. Common triggers include 'es importante que' (it's important that), 'quiero que' (I want that), 'dudo que' (I doubt that), and 'ojalá que' (hopefully). It is also used after 'cuando' for future time. For example, 'Es necesario que estudies' (It's necessary that you study).

Question 6

Do I need to know the passive voice and imperfect subjunctive for the exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only receptively. This means you need to recognise them in reading and listening texts, but you are not required to produce them in writing or speaking. The passive voice is formed with 'ser' + past participle (e.g., 'El libro fue escrito por...'), and the imperfect subjunctive often appears in complex sentences (e.g., 'Si tuviera dinero, viajaría'). Understanding them will help you answer comprehension questions.

Grammar (Higher Tier): Additional Verb Tenses – future, imperfect, imperfect continuous, perfect, pluperfect, conditional, passive voice (R), gerund, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive (R)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Life

How to Revise Grammar (Higher Tier): Additional Verb Tenses – future, imperfect, imperfect continuous, perfect, pluperfect, conditional, passive voice (R), gerund, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive (R) — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Higher Tier): Additional Verb Tenses – future, imperfect, imperfect continuous, perfect, pluperfect, conditional, passive voice (R), gerund, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive (R)

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Higher Tier): Additional Verb Tenses – future, imperfect, imperfect continuous, perfect, pluperfect, conditional, passive voice (R), gerund, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive (R)

Key Marking Points