When we use a verb that is giving either advice or an order in El Presente or El Presente Progresivo, it is followed by El Presente de Subjuntivo. To learn about this see Using the Spanish present subjunctive with verbs giving advice / order (sugerir, recomendar, prohibir)
This lesson explains how to use these same verbs in El Pretérito Indefinido, El Pretérito Imperfecto and El Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto, which are then followed by que + El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo
sugerir (to suggest)
recomendar (to recommend)
advertir (to warn/to advise)
animar [a] (to encourage)
aconsejar (to advise)
prohibir (to ban)
ordenar (to order)
permitir (to allow)
necesitar (to need)
Let's see some examples:
Nos advirtieron que hiciéramos la reserva con antelación.They advised us to make the reservation in advance.
Me habían recomendado que lo consultase con un abogado.They had recommended that I consult a lawyer about it.
Paula me animó a que fuese de excursión a la montaña.Paula encouraged me to go on an excursion to the mountains.
María me aconsejaba que tuviera un poco de paciencia con Miguel.Maria advised me to be a bit patient with Miguel.
Notice how most of them have a direct or indirect object indicating the person receiving the order, request, suggestion or encouragement (me, te, nos, le...)
Note that, as explained in Using the Spanish present subjunctive with verbs giving advice / order (sugerir, recomendar, prohibir), the use of the present tense and present progressive for verbs giving advice or an order requires the use of the present subjunctive in the subordinate clause after que. However the use of past tenses with this type of verb triggers the imperfect subjunctive in the subordinate clause:
Te sugiero que vengas rápidamente.
I suggest that you come quickly.
Te sugerí que vinieras/vinieses rápidamente.
I suggested that you come quickly.
Also notice that in English, the subordinate clause doesn't change tenses. (that you come quickly)
Sometimes verbs giving advice / an order can be followed by an infinitive. In this case, "que" shouldn't be used. For example:
This would be incorrect:
Pedro nos animó a que ir a su fiesta.
El médico me sugirió que hacer un curso de meditación.
Sus padres le prohibían que beber alcohol.
Using these verbs with El Pretérito Perfecto gives more flexibility to the subordinate clause. In this case it allows both El Presente de Subjuntivo and El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo. Have a look:
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
