Para que + subjunctive

Q: When do I use para que and when para + infinitive?

If the same person does both actions, use para + infinitive: Estudio para aprobar. If someone else carries out the purpose, use para que + subjunctive: Estudio para que mis padres estén contentos.

Q: Can para que ever take the indicative?

No. Para que is always followed by the subjunctive, because a purpose is something that has not happened yet.

Q: Which tense follows para que when the main verb is in the past?

Use the imperfect subjunctive: Te llamé para que vinieras. With a main verb in the present, future or imperative, use the present subjunctive.

Q: What is the difference between porque and para que?

Porque means 'because' and gives a reason, followed by the indicative. Para que means 'so that' and gives a purpose, followed by the subjunctive.

Q: Is a fin de que the same as para que?

Yes, it means the same and also takes the subjunctive, but a fin de que is more formal and mostly found in writing.

Grammar path · Lesson 51 of 86 · Stage B1 · The subjunctive

You need this structure whenever you do something so that someone else can do or feel something, like explaining so a friend understands or calling so they know the news. The core idea is simple: para que is always followed by the subjunctive, never the indicative. Build it as main verb + para que + new subject + present subjunctive, and switch to the imperfect subjunctive when the main verb is in the past: Te llamo para que vengas, Te llamé para que vinieras. The usual confusion is with para + infinitive: if the same person does both actions, use the infinitive (Estudio para aprobar). If the subjects differ, use para que.

Practise this lesson · 10 sentences

Form

Affirmativeverbo principal + para que + presente de subjuntivo

Te llamo para que sepas la noticia.I'm calling you so that you know the news.

Negativeverbo principal + para que no + presente de subjuntivo

Apaga la luz para que no gastemos tanta electricidad.Turn off the light so that we don't use so much electricity.

Pastverbo en pasado + para que + imperfecto de subjuntivo

Te lo dije para que tuvieras cuidado.I told you so that you would be careful.

Question¿verbo principal + para que + presente de subjuntivo?

¿Me lo prestas para que lo lea este fin de semana?Will you lend it to me so that I can read it this weekend?

When to use it

Purpose for another person

Use it when you do something so that another person can do or feel something. The two clauses must have different subjects.

Te lo explico otra vez para que lo entiendas.I'll explain it to you again so that you understand it.

Dejo la puerta abierta para que el gato pueda salir.I leave the door open so that the cat can go out.

Preventing something unwanted

Add no after para que to say an action is meant to stop something from happening. The verb stays in the subjunctive.

Cierra la ventana para que no entre el frío.Close the window so the cold doesn't come in.

Te lo digo para que no te preocupes.I'm telling you so that you don't worry.

Purpose in the past

When the main verb is in the past, the verb after para que moves to the imperfect subjunctive.

Mi mamá me dio dinero para que comprara pan.My mom gave me money so that I would buy bread.

Hablamos en voz baja para que el bebé no se despertara.We spoke quietly so that the baby wouldn't wake up.

Signal words

para quea fin de quecon el fin de que

Don't confuse it with

Por vs para

To express purpose, 'so that someone does something', always use para que, never por. Do not mix it up with porque (because): porque gives a reason and takes the indicative, while para que gives a purpose and takes the subjunctive.

Frequently asked questions

When do I use para que and when para + infinitive?

If the same person does both actions, use para + infinitive: Estudio para aprobar. If someone else carries out the purpose, use para que + subjunctive: Estudio para que mis padres estén contentos.

Can para que ever take the indicative?

No. Para que is always followed by the subjunctive, because a purpose is something that has not happened yet.

Which tense follows para que when the main verb is in the past?

Use the imperfect subjunctive: Te llamé para que vinieras. With a main verb in the present, future or imperative, use the present subjunctive.

What is the difference between porque and para que?

Porque means 'because' and gives a reason, followed by the indicative. Para que means 'so that' and gives a purpose, followed by the subjunctive.

Is a fin de que the same as para que?

Yes, it means the same and also takes the subjunctive, but a fin de que is more formal and mostly found in writing.

More in The subjunctive

Present subjunctive: formsB1 Subjunctive after wishes: quiero queB1 Subjunctive after emotions: me alegra queB1 Subjunctive after doubt and denial: no creo queB1 Subjunctive after impersonal expressions: es importante queB1 Cuando + subjunctive (future time clauses)B1 OjaláB1 Imperfect subjunctiveB2 Pluperfect subjunctiveB2 Subjunctive in relative clauses: busco a alguien que…B2 Aunque + indicative or subjunctiveB2 Como si + subjunctiveC1 El hecho de que + subjunctiveC1 Decir que + indicative or subjunctiveC1

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