ANTE TODO

1. ANTE TODO • Just as the subjunctive is required with expressions of emotion, influence, and will, it is also used with expressions of doubt, disbelief, and denial. Main clauseSubordinate clause Dudan que su hijo les diga la verdad. • The subjunctive is always used in a subordinate clause when there is a change of subject and the expression in the main clause implies negation or uncertainty.

2. Expressions of doubt, disbelief, or denial

3. For example: El gobiernoniega que el aguaesté contaminada. The government denies that the water is contaminated. Es probable que hayamenos bosques y selvas en el futuro. It’s probable that there will be fewer forests and jungles in the future. Dudoque el gobierno resuelva el problema. I doubt that the government will solve the problem. No es verdad que mi hermano estudieecología. It’s not true that my brother studies ecology.

4. The indicative (in the appropriate tense) is used in a subordinate clause when there is no doubt or uncertainty in the main clause. Here is a list of some expressions of certainty.

5. For example: No negamos que hay demasiados carros en las carreteras. We don’t deny that there are too many cars on the highways. No hay duda de que el Amazonas es uno de los ríos más largos. There is no doubt that the Amazon is one of the longest rivers. Es verdad que Colombia es un país bonito. It’s true that Colombia is a beautiful country. Es obvio que los tigres están en peligro de extinción. It’s obvious that tigers are in danger of extinction.

6. In affirmative sentences, the verb creer expresses belief or certainty, so it is followed by the indicative. • In negative sentences, however, when doubt is implied, creer is followed by the subjunctive. • No creo que hayavida en el planeta Marte. • I don’t believe that there is life on the planet Mars. • Creo que debemos usar exclusivamente la energía solar. • I believe we should use solar energy exclusively.

7. The expressions quizás and tal vez are usually followed by the subjunctive because they imply doubt about something. The word “que” is not needed with these two expressions. • Quizáshagasol mañana. • Perhaps it will be sunny tomorrow. • Tal vez veamosla luna esta noche. • Perhaps we will see the moon tonight.

8. Consider the following sentence: I doubt that I will do the homework. Note: When you wish to express doubt, disbelief, or denial without a change of subject in a two clause sentence, Spanish speakers usually express it with an expression of certainty rather than doubt, disbelief, or denial in the first clause, and a negative statement using the indicative in the second clause. I believe that I will not do the homework. Creo que no haré la tarea.

9. In one clause sentences with the following expressions, the infinitive is used: Es posible reciclar. No es posible conservar energía. Es imposible mejorar el medio ambiente.

10. ¡INTÉNTALO!Completaestasfrases con la forma correcta del verbo. • Dudoqueellos ____ (trabajar). trabajen • Es ciertoqueél ____ (comer) mucho. come 3. Es imposiblequeellos ____ (salir). salgan 4. Es probable queustedes ____ (ganar). ganen

11. 5. No creoqueella ____ (volver). vuelva 6. Es posiblequenosotros ____ (ir). vayamos 7. Dudamosquetú ____ (reciclar). recicles 8. Creoqueellos ____ (jugar) al fútbol. juegan

12. 9. No niego que ustedes ____ (estudiar). estudian 10. Es posible que ella no ____ (venir) a casa. venga 11. Es probable que ellos ____ (dormir). duerman 12. Es posible que Marta ____ (llamar). llame

13. 13. Tal vez Juan no nos ____ (oír). oiga 14. No esciertoqueellosnos ____ (ayudar). ayuden 15. Es obvioque Luis ____ (aburrirse). se aburre 16. Creoque Juana ____ (ir) a casarse. va