When to use así que, por lo tanto in Spanish
To express the consequence/result of what is expressed in the main clause, we can introduce a subordinate clause with:
..., así que ...
..., por lo tanto ...
Have a look at the following examples:
You can see how, what is expressed after así que and por lo tanto is the result of the main sentence. Notice how we are using the indicative (not the subjunctive) in the result clauses.
With the subjunctive
However the subjunctive can also be used with these clauses if we add an element of possibility or doubt:
Notice how when adding "posiblemente" or "puede que" (which add possibility and doubt) we use the subjunctive mood (llegue, me den).
Have a look at these other examples with the indicative and subjunctive:
He tenido una discusión con Sandra, así que no saldré con ella esta noche.I had an argument with Sandra, so I won't go out with her tonight. (indicative)
He tenido una discusión con Sandra, así que, lo más seguro es que no salga con ella esta noche.I had an argument with Sandra, so it's most likely I won't be going out with her tonight. (subjunctive)
If there are no elements/particles expressing doubt/probability/possibility, result clauses introduced by así que / por lo tanto are followed by the indicative.
Bear in mind that although the most common result connectives are "así que" and "por lo tanto", other constructions can introduce result clauses in Spanish. For example:
- conque...
- de manera que...
- de modo que...
- luego...
- por consiguiente...
- como consecuencia...
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