General Subjunctive Rules?

[satchrocks]

This may be too general of a question, but can anyone give me any advice as to when the subjunctive should be used? In my studies in Latin, it was easier to tell only because virtually no composition was being done (i.e. it was all reading without any writing in the language) - therefore, if you saw the subjunctive, you could tell why it was being used, etc.

As I understand it, the subjunctive in Spanish (which has no English equivalent) is used to indicate some ambivalence about a future action to take place - i.e. (verb) "should" happen. (In Latin, the subjunctive can sometimes be translated, "should (verb)."

Any basics on what triggers the subjunctives (even just general suggestions) would be very helpful!

[Rusty]

The subjunctive mood does exist in English, but it isn't nearly as prevalent as it is in Spanish.

Speaking generally, the subjunctive mood is used whenever the train of thought changes from reality to non-reality. Verbs of volition, doubt, denial, and strong emotion also trigger the subjunctive.
Some phrases trigger the subjunctive, as well.

Chapters have been written on the subject. There are many threads that deal with subjunctive in these forums, too.
You can do a search on subjunctive to find them.

If, after reading up on the subjunctive here and in several websites, you still have questions, feel free to ask.