B1 · Intermediate

Subjunctive in time clauses

Learn when cuando, antes de que, hasta que, en cuanto and mientras require the subjunctive (future) and when the indicative (habit, past).

Cuando + subjunctive for the future

When cuando ('when') refers to a future action that hasn't happened yet, you use the subjunctive. The main clause is usually in the future or the imperative.

Examples

Cuando llegues a casa, llámame.Call me when you get home.
Te lo diré cuando lo sepa.I'll tell you when I know it.

Cuando + indicative for habit and past

When cuando describes a habit (present) or a completed event (past), you use the indicative, not the subjunctive.

Examples

Cuando tengo tiempo libre, leo.When I have free time, I read.
Cuando era niño, jugaba en el parque.When I was a child, I played in the park.

Antes de que + subjunctive

Antes de que ('before') is always followed by the subjunctive, even when the event is certain — this is a fixed exception.

With the same subject, you use antes de + infinitive, without que.

Examples

Llámame antes de que salgas.Call me before you leave.
Antes de salir, cierra la puerta.Before leaving, close the door.

Hasta que, en cuanto, mientras

Hasta que ('until'), en cuanto ('as soon as') and mientras ('while') follow the same logic as cuando:

  • Future/uncertain → subjunctive
  • Habit/past → indicative

Examples

Espera aquí hasta que yo vuelva.Wait here until I come back.
En cuanto termines, avísame.As soon as you finish, let me know.
Mientras vivían en Madrid, visitaban el Prado cada mes.While they lived in Madrid, they visited the Prado every month.

💡 Tips

💡
Ask yourself: has it already happened or is it a habit? Indicative. Is it still to happen? Subjunctive.
💡
Antes de que is a fixed exception: always subjunctive, even for certain facts.
💡
Same subject with antes de / hasta / mientras + without 'que' → infinitive instead of subjunctive.

🎯 Practise this topic with 10 interactive exercises (10)

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Subjunctive with doubt and opinion
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Pluscuamperfecto (past perfect)
Learn how to form the pluscuamperfecto with había + past participle, and how to use it to show that something had already happened before another point in the past.

← Subjunctive with doubt and opinionPluscuamperfecto (past perfect) →

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