I want to write sentences about asking people questions. The questions have to do with the future, so in some sense I guess they are hypothetical. I want to know if that means that I use the (imperfect) subjunctive as hypotheticals--I think so, but I want to make sure.
For example: I asked her if she would like to have a job by next year.
Le pregunté si quisiera tener un trabajo para el año que viene.
I asked her if the rate of pay would be important.
Le pregunté si el sueldo le importara.
Am I on the right track?
I'll email this to SraJMcGin.
The instructions are what exactly? If it says to use the FUTURE, that's one thing. Is there a model or example for you to follow? What you write is fine for the Imperfect Subjunctive (either -ra or -se form) but I'm not sure that that is what you are to do without seeing the EXACT instructions.
Sra
Thank you--I am sorry for the confusion! Actually the assignment is a bit confusing as to what the end product should be. I am to summarize an actual conversation. I interviewed a friend about her plans for after she finishes school this May. Then I need to write it up but in the third person (or indirect speech)--so that I am not writing her direct quotes. Unfortunately, there is no model :( . . . that would have helped a lot.
In that case, you seem to be on the right track because you will begin in the past tense = I asked/did ask her if...and the Imperfect Subjunctive IS the most polite.
Sra
¡Gracias, Senora! Usted siempre es tan amable en ayudarnos.
Yes, you are on the right track! When asking hypothetical or speculative questions about the future, the use of the (imperfect) subjunctive is appropriate in Spanish. The examples you provided demonstrate correct usage of the subjunctive mood in these types of sentences.
In your first example, "I asked her if she would like to have a job by next year," you correctly used the imperfect subjunctive. The phrase "quisiera tener" translates to "would like to have" and conveys the hypothetical nature of the question.
In the second example, "I asked her if the rate of pay would be important," you also used the imperfect subjunctive correctly. The phrase "le importara" translates to "would be important," again emphasizing the hypothetical nature of the question.
Overall, your sentences accurately convey hypothetical questions about the future using the (imperfect) subjunctive tense. Well done!