Do I need to use the present subjunctive?

Question

For a Spanish essay, I'm trying to say, "It is the easiest way that we can communicate with others." Would I need to use the subjunctive?

If you are informing us about the fact or your belief, then use the indicative mood. - 0074b507, Apr 8, 2011

Answer 1

I think the rule is that you only use the subjunctive mood in cases of uncertainty, or at times when you use beginning clauses like "it's important that", "I recommend that", "It's necessary that", etc. Since you're just making a statement here, I'm pretty sure you'd use the indicative mood.

There's a great website called studyspanish(dot)com that has a good lesson on the subjunctive. I would attach a link but this site won't let me post it. You should check it out though; it's very helpful.

Wow, where did you ever hear that rule? - 0074b507, Apr 8, 2011

That website I referenced, and in Spanish III class. Do you know another rule, or is that not correct? - susuwatari, Apr 8, 2011

If you are listing conditions for using the subjunctive mood, the rule is too simplistic. - 0074b507, Apr 8, 2011

If you need a simple rule, find the 2 line rule that Lazarus, reiterated earlier today. Basically, it was if you are informing about some fact, belief, guess, etc. use the indicative mood. Anything else use the subjunctive. Not an exact quote. - 0074b507, Apr 8, 2011

I was trying to avoid going into a huge amount of detail, plus I didn't know how to explain all the conditions for its use. But you're right, it's better the way you said it, by giving the conditions for the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive. - susuwatari, Apr 8, 2011