rolfdog-
Thanks Lesley, I was hoping you would chime in. I thought #3 as well. The imperfect subjunctive is one of those "obscure" tenses people feel unnecessary to learn, but I hear it and read it a lot. Good to know the perfecto de subjuntivo is there to use if it doesn't sound right.
I have read your comment several times and I am not sure what you mean. The imperfect tense of the subjunctive mood is one of the four and only active tenses in the Spanish subjunctive. The future subjunctive is obsolete but still can be seen in legal documents and certain versions of the Bible. These are two key examples that come to mind right away. Spanish speakers don't avoid its usage. It's impossible and most speakers can't even define the grammar of their language. They just speak it. The average person you meet on the street is not grammar knowledgeable. Do a survey and ask people randomly to define the parts of speech or name ten grammar terms, or the active tenses of the indicative mood in English and observe their reaction, look and responses you get. People speak language or languages without knowing grammar rules. You learn to speak your native language(s) without knowing how to define a noun, verb, adjective or to differentiate between the indicative, subjunctive and imperative mood.
Key aspects to remember about the subjunctive:
1/ It's a mood NOT a tense
2/ There are four active tenses in the subjunctive mood - present (venga), present perfect (haya venido), imperfect (viniera) and pluperfect (hubiera venido)
3/ The sequence of tenses (in the main clause + dependent clause) is a rule you must understand to ensure correct usage. There are regional exceptions but certain phrase structures just won't be considered correct and/ or odd. The reference to time is important like in the example I gave you. One can say 'siento que hayas estado enfermo' or siento que estuvieras enfermo (further in the past).
4/ When you read in Spanish and you see the subjunctive ask yourself if you understand why it was used. Go back and find the grammar element that triggered the subjunctive. Was there a main clause like 'espero que...', or other grammatical clauses like para que, es posible que, antes de que etc. that require the subjunctive.
Sources in which I find interesting to observe the usage of the subjunctive in Spanish (including the formal commands of the imperative mood)
*
the Bible- the new international version. Anyone who wants to observe the usage and beauty of the subjunctive in Spanish, religious or not read a few passages from the Bible and you will see how it's such an important structure of the language.
* any kind of guide or book of instructions. For example a book of driving rules, a cook book, etc.
5/ I strongly recommend a good grammatical source (a text book) - not an online link or dictionary. They can never be thorough enough. It will address all grammar issues according to the level selected and the subjunctive will be introduced even at the beginner level since it's a vital part of Spanish. You have plenty of good choices at your disposal for independent study (discussed and posted in other threads).
-MP.
