I thought "que" after ojalá was optional...

Question

I thought "que" after ojalá was optional, but then I saw a correction on the word of the day.

Es muy triste – no puedo pensar de una frase – ojalá puedan generar frases buenas con la Palabra del Día.

And then the correction was

Can someone explain? Gracias!

Answer 1

Hi sonrisa!

Yes, the que is opcional.

Es muy triste – no puedo pensar de en una frase – ojalá puedan generar frases buenas con la Palabra del Día.

But even so, your sentence does not sound quite right.

I'd say:

Es muy triste. No se me ocurre ninguna frase. Ojalá consigan alguna frase buena para la palabra del día.

Gracias, Cogu! This actually is someone else's sentence :) - SonrisaDelSol, Oct 15, 2011

yes, cogu, chris had to use generar, jeje - 00494d19, Oct 15, 2011

Answer 2

Yes, que after ojalá is optional.

Since this sentence came up, I'd like to add that I don't think 'pensar de' makes sense here.

The English version says:

"It’s very sad – I cannot think of a sentence...."

'Think of' here means to come up with, to formulate, to have in mind. While 'pensar de' means to think of something in the sense that whether it is good or bad.

I think 'no puedo pensar una frase', 'no se me ocurre una frase' or 'no puedo formular una frase' can work better here. But then I'm totally prepared to be in the wrong.

I think you're right Elmar.¡ Ojalá que tengo razón! - annierats, Oct 15, 2011

or perhaps tenga? - annierats, Oct 15, 2011

I'd say 'tengas', annie ;) - SonrisaDelSol, Oct 15, 2011

Thanks, Elmar! - SonrisaDelSol, Oct 15, 2011

excelente:), welcome to the forum, elmar - 00494d19, Oct 15, 2011

Answer 3

It is optional, although this could be a regional thing. I have learned to make very few definitive statements regarding non-basic grammatical structure. I have also heard "ojalá y..." instead of "ojalá que..." or just "ojalá..."

Hi Mountaingirl!!!! I've missed talking to you! I hope all is well with your family. :) - Nicole-B, Oct 15, 2011

Are you heading back to Mexico soon? If so, I am extremely jealous, jeje....but very happy for you. I know you are doing a great work down there!!! - Nicole-B, Oct 15, 2011

Thanks, Mountaingirl! - SonrisaDelSol, Oct 15, 2011

Answer 4

I agree that it's optional, I'm curious what DrVicente's reasoning is there.