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Look at these examples:
Estoy ahorrando mucho dinero para que mis hijos puedan ir a la universidad.I am saving a lot of money so that my children can go to the university.
Antes de que me culpes, voy a explicarte lo que ha pasado realmente.Before you blame me, I will explain what really happened.
Adverbial clauses in Spanish are introduced by conjunctions, such as para que (so that), antes (de) que (before), hasta que (until), con tal (de) que (provided that), etc.
The subjunctive mood is required in the adverbial clause in Spanish if the adverbial clause is considered as something hypothetical or anticipated —rather than completed, habitual, or factual.Other examples with adverbial constructions followed by El Subjuntivo:
Puedes ir a la fiesta a condición de que no vuelvas muy tarde.You can go to the party on the condition that you don't come back too late.
Me marcharé a menos que me pidas que me quede contigo.I will leave unless you ask me to stay with you.
Other adverbial clauses that require the subjunctive are:
- Siempre que... (As long as...)
Contrataremos al nuevo profesor siempre que tengamos presupuesto.
We will hire the new teacher as long as we have the budget.
- Mientras (que...) (As long as...)
Contrataremos al nuevo profesor mientras (que) tengamos presupuesto.
We will hire the new teacher as long as we have the budget.
- Aunque... (even if)
Aunque me regales rosas no saldré contigo a cenar.
Even if you buy me roses I won't go out with you for dinner.
- Por más que... (No matter how much...)
Por más que lo intente no puedo concentrarme.
No matter how much I try I can't concentrate.
- Por mucho que... (No matter how much...)
Por mucho que lo intente no puedo concentrarme.
No matter how much I try I can't concentrate.
- Una vez que... (Once...)
Te sentirás mejor en el trabajo una vez que conozcas a tus compañeros.
You will feel better at work once you get to know your colleagues.
- Cuando... (When...)
Cuando vayas mañana al mercado, compra pescado para mi.
When you go to the market tomorrow, buy some fish for me.
See also Cuando + the present subjunctive vs Cuando + the present indicative in Spanish for a more detailed lesson about cuando.
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