“Creer” as a catenative verb

Question

Hi all!

To my surprise I today encountered “creer” in this list of verbs that may be followed by infinitives (alongside such familiar inclusions as deber, poder, querer, etc). I've never heard creer used in this way, and “to believe” doesn't seem to function as a catenative verb in English. I'm wondering if this usage is very common, and how it should best be translated.

I was looking for examples, and from this text, “Los tres mosqueteros”, we encounter:

-¿Crees tener todavía cierta cantidad para gastar esta noche?

-Eso espero.

Does this differ in meaning to “Crees que tienes…”? If so, how? Any other examples of infinitives being meaningfully introduced by creer?

Thanks for any responses!

Answer 1

Great question and well prestented

Creer+infitive can be used, is actually often used, when we are talking about the same subject.

Cree tener razón. He thinks he is right.

Crees llegar a tiempo. You think you will be on time.

If the subject is different, you must use creer + que.

¿Crees que limes ha puesto una pregunta inteligente?

• Muchísimas gracias Heidita :) - limes Mar 25, 2010

Answer 2

Does this mean that: "Creo que tengo razón" and: "Creo tener razón" are exactly equivalent?

• es:-) - Heidita Mar 25, 2010