Evaluating Subjunctive Use in Textbook Example

Question

I encountered the following example in Living Language's "Spanish Beyond the Basics" and was troubled by it:

"Aunque hubiese tenido dinero no hubiera ido."

The pertinent rule for the use of the subjunctive here is: "The subjunctive is used in conditional sentences that are contrary to fact." My problem is twofold. First the alternative form of the imperfect subjunctive for the verb "haber" is used to form the pluperfect subjunctive with the first occurrence of the verb, and the regular form of the subjunctive is used to form the imperfect subjunctive with the second occurrence of the verb "haber". Second, the second occurrence of the verb "haber" should be in the conditional tense.

It seems to me that one would use only either the alternative form of the subjunctive or the regular form of the subjunctive in any non-literary (e.g., non-creative) writing, in the interest of clarity. Further, in any single venue (i.e., country), in the interest of promulgating linguistic coherence, a single form of the imperfect subjunctive should be used. With regard to the second issue, minor errors are often made.

Am I right or wrong with respect to either the first issue or the second issue. Why?

Answer 1

I*'m not good on grammar and I'm sure you will get better answers. I think the author is using the alternate forms in order to avoid repetition, it would maybe have been odd to have two 'hubiera' so close together. A question of style.

I've been reading a couple of books by Marcela Serrano ( Chile) and have noticed that she uses either form, in what seems to me a random manner, but obviously, to the native has some pattern.

One day I'll understand it. Maybe.

I don't think you need the conditional but I shall be interested to see what better students or a native says.

Answer 2

With the caveat that the subjunctive is not my strongest suit, my instructors and my general experience tell me that the two forms are mostly a matter of preference and variety. It is of course unusual to see both forms in the same sentence, but I think Annie is right in saying that this is just done to avoid repetition. I can see why you would think the second hubiera should be in the conditional, depending on how you percieve the meaning of the sentence. My take is "even if I had the money, I would not have gone".

That's what I understood it to mean as well, Noetol. - annierats, May 17, 2012

Did you mean the second "hubiera" should be in the conditional. I think it should be the conditonal. - djgates, May 17, 2012

Answer 3

It seems to me that one would use only either the alternative form of the subjunctive or the regular form of the subjunctive in any non-literary (e.g., non-creative) writing, in the interest of clarity.

I agree. I would chose one or the other, not mix them.

Further, in any single venue (i.e., country), in the interest of promulgating linguistic coherence, a single form of the imperfect subjunctive should be used.

I have only seen/heard the --ra form used.