Infinitives used in a subjunctive clauses
Hello,
I am currently studying the subjunctive. Specifically:
Number 1: Subjunctive with verbs of will and influence
Number 2: Subjunctive with verbs of emotion
Number 3: Subjunctive with doubt, disbelief, and denial
Number 4: Subjunctive with conjunctions
Number 5: Subjunctive in adjective clauses
Number 1: Infinitive is used when subjects are the same between clauses
Number 2: Infinitive is used when subjects are the same between clauses
Number 3: No situation to use infinitive
Number 4: Infinitive is used when subjects are the same -and- the conjunction is one of these prepositions: antes de, para, or sin.
Number 5: No situation to use infinitive
Now, my question is about #3, and #5... the lack of a situation that uses infinitive.
For #5 (adjective clauses) seems to make sense because the adjective typically is describing the direct object before the conjunction: Necesito el libro que tiene información sobre Venezuela.
It's hard to conceive how you could change the subject so by default, the adjective will always describe the direct object... therefore there is no need for an indicative form ever. (True?)
The other one, is #3 ...Subjunctive with doubt, disbelief, and denial Now, in THIS situation, it seems that it is indeed possible to come up with a situation where the subject does not change:
Dudo que pueda. (I doubt that I can). Since I am the subject (doubting myself).... there is no "Dudo que poder"?
It may be a rare form to express self-doubt, self-disbelief ("I don't believe in myself"), or self-denial... and I'm guessing that's why infinitive usage is not specified, but I wanted to be sure.
Thanks, Allen (Source: VISTAS, Introducción A La Lengua Español, Blanco/Donley, 3rd ed.
1 Answer
In the first case that you are describing..one uses the subjunctive because of the verb, necesitar + you have the clause that you so nicely described!
Necesito un libro que tenga información sobre Venezuela.= I need a book that has information about Venezeula. (you do not know if this book exists or not. Therefore "tenga" is present subjunctive) vs. Poseo un libro que tiene información sobre Venezuela.= I own a book that has information about Venezuela (it exists, you got a copy, therefore present indicative)
That second situation means you are really paying attention to the intricacy of the language: you can use the infinitive with no change in subject with your example: Dudo en poder hacerlo= I doubt in being able to do it. No creo estar aquí=I don't believe that I am here....¡Espero que te ayude! (I hope that helps you!)
