Subjunctive - Expressing Doubt and Negation
Expressing Uncertainty, Doubt, Negation
Verbs of doubt and negation require the subjunctive in subordinate clauses; examples include
-
negar - to deny
dudar - to doubt
no ser verdad - to not be true/the truth
no estar cierto/seguro - to be unsure, uncertain
no creer - to not believe
Remember that expressions of certainty or belief take the indicative:
no negar - to not deny no dudar - to not doubt afirmar - to affirm creer - to believe estar cierto/seguro - to be sure, certain
-
Dudamos que salgan bien.
We doubt they'll do well. -
No creo que asistan a la clase.
I don't think they attend class. -
¿Niegas que yo pueda hacerlo?
Do you deny that I can do it? -
No estoy segura de que venga.
I'm not sure she's coming.
NOTE: Normally the reverse (positive/negative) of each of the above sentences does not indicate doubt or negation and thus takes the indicative.
-
No dudamos que salen bien.
We don't doubt they'll do well. -
Creo que asisten a la clase.
I think they attend class. -
No niegan que yo puedo hacerlo.
They don't deny that I can do it. -
Estoy segura de que viene.
I'm sure she's coming.
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