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Tense guide
Futuro subjuntivo (Future Subjunctive)

Language: Spanish
Tense:
Person:

Introduction

This verb form talks about a possible future action. It is very formal and old-fashioned. You will almost never hear it in conversations. Today, it is found mostly in legal documents, literature, and old proverbs.

Important: You do not need to use this verb form in your daily Spanish. It is useful to recognize it when you read formal texts, but other verb forms are used instead in modern speech.

The most common use of this verb form is in legal or formal texts. It is used after expressions like el que (the one who) or quien (whoever) to state a rule or consequence for a future action.

El que incumpliere el contrato deberá pagar una multa.
(The one who should breach the contract must pay a fine.)
Quienes fueren culpables recibirán su castigo.
(Those who are found guilty will receive their punishment.)
Aquel que dañare la propiedad será responsable.
(He who damages the property will be responsible.)
La ley se aplicará a quienes cometieren el delito.
(The law will apply to those who commit the crime.)

This form can appear in old sayings or proverbs. It often expresses a general truth or piece of advice.

Adonde fueres, haz lo que vieres.
(Wherever you may go, do what you see. / When in Rome, do as the Romans do.)
Sea lo que fuere.
(Whatever it may be. / Come what may.)

In very formal or literary writing, it can be used after si (if) to talk about a future possibility. This is extremely rare in modern Spanish.

Si alguien tuviere una objeción, que hable ahora.
(If anyone should have an objection, let them speak now.)
Si usted no recibiere una respuesta, contacte con nosotros.
(If you should not receive a reply, contact us.)

Similarly, it can be found after cuando (when) in older or highly formal texts. Today, a different verb form is used instead.

Cuando pudieres, ven a visitarme.
(When you can, come visit me.)

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns