should subjunctive be used here?

Question

siempre es cariñosa hacia su hija, a pesar de que sea una memoria constante de los abusos que sufrió.

¿sea o es?

Very good question! Let's see what the subjunctive experts have to say. - --Mariana--, May 11, 2010

Marianne, I'm wondering if "a pesar de que" isn't one of those phrases that requires the subjunctive. - Delores--Lindsey, May 11, 2010

No, I would not use subjunctive here. - 005faa61, May 11, 2010

Thanks, Julian - Delores--Lindsey, May 11, 2010

Answer 1

Personally I would not use the subjunctive in this case (I am no expert). "a pesar de" seems to be stating something that actually occurred or a emotion that in fact happened.

My translations of "a pesar de" is: (even though / in spite of / although / despite)

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The subjunctive "is not always used with (a pesar de). Here is a statement from WR forum by a qualified member.

"When you use the expression "a pesar de (que)" about a previous event that actually happened, you use indicativo."

"aunque" sometimes uses subjunctive, and given its similar meaning, I would assume "a pesar de" could also use subjunctive. - Luciente, May 11, 2010

Answer 2

I think the subjunctive might not be used in this case if "a pesar de" is used similar to "aunque".

I read this website, which says:

Aunque (although, even though, even if). The indicative is used if a fact is involved or the outcome is known; otherwise the subjunctive is used:

Lo haré aunque no le gusta. I'll do it, even though she doesn't like it. [Indicative It is a fact that she doesn't like it.]

Lo haré aunque no le guste. I'll do it, even though she may not like it. [Subjunctive]

EDIT: Aha, apparently it does work the same way. If the event has not yet happened, use subjunctive. In your case, then, you should not. Refer to this: WordReference post.

excelente...muy bien dicho; has acertado! - mountaingirl123, May 11, 2010

Answer 3

Your version: "siempre es cariñosa hacia su hija, a pesar de que sea una memoria constante de los abusos que sufrió".

Corrected version: Use es not sea Please see below

. "Siempre es cariñosa hacía su hija, a pesar de que es una memoría constante de los abusos que sufrió".

I agree with Julian that I would NOT use the subjunctive here in your sentance because you are stating a truth that the person is always loving towards their daughter despite personal memories of abuse. The indicative mood is generally used to convey truth/factual information whereas the subjunctive mood is used to communicate subjective information: ie: how a person feels Please read below and visit Paralees lesson on the Subjunctive Mood in Lesson 3.1 I think

I hope that this helps

Paralee gives us a guide when to use the Subjunctive mood instead of indicative mood. This is just intended as a brief summary. . It is summed up in the acronym

W - for Wishes and desires demands, expectectations etc p.ej 1. Espero que me compre un collar de diamantes.

E - When expressing emotions -being angry annoyed happy surprised scared etc. p ej 2, Me .alegro de que sonrías.

I - Impersonal expressions almost any phrase with as + adjective + que (unless it expresses truth

R - Recommendations when a person recommends, suggests, wants, asks someone to do something p ej Mi doctor recomiendo que tome Vitamins cada manaña.

D - Doubt /denial indicates a sitaution that seems unreal therefore it is not factual Pej. No creen que los extraterestres existen.

O - Ojalá - if only I hope to God that ...

Answer 4

Yes, the phrase "a pesar de (que)" always requires the subjunctive. So your sentence is correct with sea.