Is this a subjunctive statement?

Question

Estoy cierto que él (tener) hambre. Would the conjugation be subjunctive (tenga) because of the subject change, or indicative (tiene) because of the certainty? I think it is subjuntive, but I just want to check. Thanks!

Answer 1

No, because you are certain, it would not be in the subjunctive mood.

Answer 2

The fact that you say "Estoy seguro...." opens the possibility of subjuntive. If you don't want to have to use subjunctive, simply say, "Él tiene hambre."

Answer 3

Tiene.

Answer 4

If you weren't certain, you could say, "No estoy cierto que él tenga hambre", and in that case, it would be a subjunctive phrase.

Thank you Carlos! - Jack-OBrien, Apr 5, 2010

Answer 5

You're still stating an opinion of something that may or may not be true. Can your level of certainty change the mood? I'm thinking it's still subjunctive, but I would sure like to know for certain.

It said in lesson 3.1, I think, that if "Estoy cierto que" is used, it changes to indicative. I would think it would be subjunctive, but... - 004851b3, Apr 5, 2010

From a textbook: Normally verbs such as reporting, affirmation, knowledge and certainty (“think”, “believe”, “affirm”, “be certain of”, etc.), are followed by the indicative. Jeje, I was mistaken. - Jack-OBrien, Apr 5, 2010