The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial

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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
(El subjuntivo usado para expresar duda y
negación)
Dudo que las grasas transformadas sean buenas
para la salud.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
The subjunctive is used in noun clauses after
expressions of doubt, uncertainty, or denial.
The following verbs can express doubt and denial.
Unlike the verbs that express volition and
emotion, these verbs do not require a change of
subject in the dependent clause in order to use
the subjunctive.
dudar
to doubt
negar (ie)
to deny
no pensar (ie)
to not to think
no creer
to not believe
no estar seguro/a (de)
to permit
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
The subjunctive is used in noun clauses after
expressions of doubt, uncertainty, or denial.
The following verbs can express doubt and denial.
Unlike the verbs that express volition and
emotion, these verbs do not require a change of
subject in the dependent clause in order to use
the subjunctive.
Dudo que Camilo padezca de artritis.
I doubt that Camilo suffers from arthritis.
No creo que el médico sepa el diagnóstico.
I dont believe that the doctor knows the
diagnosis.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
The subjunctive is used in noun clauses after
expressions of doubt, uncertainty, or denial.
The following verbs can express doubt and denial.
Unlike the verbs that express volition and
emotion, these verbs do not require a change of
subject in the dependent clause in order to use
the subjunctive.
No estamos seguros de que las grasas
transformadas sean nocivas.
Were not sure that transfatty acids are harmful.
Mi padre niega que tenga un nivel muy alto de
colesterol.
My father denies that he has a very high
cholesterol level.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
When there is no doubt, uncertainty, or disbelief
about an action or event, and when the subject
appears certain of the facts, the indicative is
used in the noun clause. For most expressions of
doubt or uncertainty, the indicative will be used
for the opposing expression (dudar versus no
dudar no creer versus creer).
No dudo que Camilo padece de artritis.
I dont doubt that Camilo suffers from arthritis.
Creo que el médico sabe el diagnóstico.
I believe that the doctor knows the diagnosis.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
When there is no doubt, uncertainty, or disbelief
about an action or event, and when the subject
appears certain of the facts, the indicative is
used in the noun clause. For most expressions of
doubt or uncertainty, the indicative will be used
for the opposing expression (dudar versus no
dudar no creer versus creer).
Estamos seguros de que las grasas transformadas
son nocivas.
Were sure that transfatty acids are harmful.
Mi padre no niega que tiene un nivel muy alto de
colesterol.
My father does not deny that he has a very high
cholesterol level.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
When the verb creer is used in a question, it can
imply doubt in the mind of the speaker, thereby
triggering the subjunctive in the dependent
clause.
Crees que el alcohol dañe el corazón?
Do you believe (think) that alcohol damages the
heart? (speaker implies doubt)
If the speaker expresses no opinion or does not
anticipate a negative response, the indicative is
preferred.
Crees que el alcohol daña el corazón?
Do you believe (think) that alcohol damages the
heart? (speaker has no opinion)
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
The subjunctive with tal vez and quizá(s)
The expressions tal vez and quizá(s), meaning
perhaps or maybe, are followed by the subjunctive
when the speaker wishes to convey uncertainty or
doubt. Both expressions are used without que.
Tal vez funcione no comer tanta grasa.
Perhaps not eating so much fat will work.
Quizás el ejercicio me alivie la artritis.
Perhaps exercise will alleviate my arthritis.
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The Subjunctive to Express Doubt and Denial
The subjunctive with tal vez and quizá(s)
When tal vez or quizá(s) follows the verb, the
indicative is used.
Vamos a fumar menos, tal vez.
Were going to smoke less, perhaps.
Bajo de peso, quizás.
Ill lose weight, maybe.
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FIN