Grammar: ¿El Subjuntivo o El Indicativo?

We will now take a look at how to identify whether a sentence would require the use of the subjunctive or the indicative. Take a look at the phrases below. As you do, think about what these phrases represent in comparison to the "impersonal expressions" learned in the previous chapter or the "emotions/doubt" on the previous page.

creer que ...
to believe that ...

no dudar que ...
to not doubt that ...

es cierto que ...
it is certain that ...

es claro que ...
it is clear that ...

es evidente que ...
it is certain that ...

es obvio que ...
it is obvious that ...

estar seguro que ...
to be sure that ...

es verdad que ...
it is true that ...

no cabe duda que ...
there's no doubt that ...

no es dudoso que ...
it is not doubtful that ...

no hay duda que ...
there is no doubt that ...

pensar que ....

to think that...

Since these expressions introduce a quality of certainty, they do not trigger the use of the subjunctive.

If you encounter a sentence with a main clause followed by a second clause, and the main clause introduces a quality of certainty or objectivity, the sentence will use the indicative mood in the second clause, since the sentence will be reporting something certain- or at least the subject in the sentence believes it to be true.

General Rules for Differentiating Between the Indicative and the Subjunctive

The indicative mood is used to talk about things that are objective and/or certain. This includes things like facts, descriptions, and scheduled events.
The subjunctive mood is used to talk about things that are subjective and/or possible, but not certain. This includes things like doubts, wishes, recommendations, unknowns, and opinions about the likelihood of other events occurring.

Please complete the following activity on indicative and subjunctive mood. Don't worry if you're stumped; explanations follow for all four examples.

Did you notice the repetition of the phrase "from the speaker's viewpoint" above? This is key to understanding a very important point: "indicative" does not mean "true." As long as a speaker feels that what they're saying is true, the indicative can be used. This does not, however, mean that what they're saying is actually true.

The above statement is not true, but the speaker believes it is, so the second verb is in indicative.

Estoy seguro que los seres humanos tienen alas.

I'm sure that human beings have wings.

Features of Sentences that Use the Subjunctive

There are three main features that most sentences that use the subjunctive share: two subjects, two verbs, and a relative pronoun.

1. Two Subjects

Most subjunctive sentences will have one subject in the main clause and one in the secondary clause. The attitude of the subject in the main clause is what triggers the use of the subjunctive in the secondary clause.

Laura wants you to clean the bathroom.
Laura quiere que tú limpies el baño.

It is perfectly possible to use the subjunctive when both clauses refer to the same subject. For example:

I doubt I can go to the party.
Dudo que yo pueda in a la fiesta.
I hope I know how to do it.
Espero que yo lo sepa hacer.

2. Two Verbs

Most subjunctive sentences have two verbs: a verb in the indicative in the main clause and a verb in the subjunctive in the secondary clause.

Laura wants you to clean the bathroom.
Laura quiere que tú limpies el baño.

3. A Relative Pronoun

Most subjunctive sentences have a relative pronoun (such as que or quien) that links the main (indicative) clause to the secondary (subjunctive) clause.

Laura wants you to clean the bathroom.
Laura quiere que tú limpies el baño.

Práctica 1: ¿El subjuntivo o el indicativo?

To check your understanding, please complete the activity below.

Práctica 2: ¿El subjuntivo o el indicativo?

Please complete the following activity.

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