Subjuntivo or indicativo
Hello, Recently I've been having problem with distinguishing one from another. The case was simple when after expressions like "creo que; me parece que; es lógico que" etc. I've used subjontivo, but now I find examples with indivativo after them. I'm puzzled.
I don't understand these:
Me parece una buena idea que en las empresas (haber) .....haya.... guarderías para los hijos de los empleados. Me parece que la idea (venir) .....viene..... de Suecia.
We use indicativo when we are certain of something. We use subjontivo to express uncertainty/wishes.
So... I think I'm certain when I say that it is a good idea to have those nurseries. But I'm not sure if the idea came from Sweden. Why then the correct answer is the opposite? I've been trying to figure this out on my own but I simply can't :/
Thanks in advance
5 Answers
In the first case you are expressing an opinion, (which may or may not be correct). So the subjunctive is the correct form.
In the second case, (although there is some uncertainty as to origin), you are not expressing an opinion and you know that the idea came from somewhere, the idea exists regardless of where it came from. So the indicative is the correct form.
Subjunctive for opinion, indicative for fact.
Me parece una buena idea que en las empresas (haber) .....haya.... guarderías para los hijos de los empleados.
This means you think it´s a good idea, but it hasn´t necessarily happened yet. Using indicative, you think that the existing guarderías are a good idea.
Me parece que la idea (venir) .....viene..... de Suecia.
The idea definitely comes from somewhere and your thoughts are also definite, so indicative is appropriate.
Me parece una buena idea que en las empresas haya guarderías para los hijos de los empleados.
There are many ways to look at this first example, but here's a short reason why we use the subjunctive here. The main point is that it is a good idea to have nurseries there. Whether or not there actually are any nurseries is not the main concern here - it is subordinate.
What follows "me parece (noun or adjective) que" can be an indicator of one's opinion on, or anticipation of an event. It can also indicate one's desire, or be used to request something. This is why "parecer," the verb in the main clause is in the indicative, and the verb in the subordinate clause, "haber" is in the subjunctive.
Me parece que la idea viene de Suecia.
Notice that there is no noun or adjective between "me parece" and "que." It now just reads "It seems to me that..." instead of "it seems like a good idea to me that." "Me parece que" alone is like "I think, I know, I believe that..." which takes the indicative because you are simply declaring what you think is true.
A pain in the back,that subjunctive!.Like the continuous aspect of the english tenses for foreigners.There are verbs, like creer,pensar,ver,oír,decir,ask:
-the indicative,when they are in the affirmative form
-the subjunctive,when they are in the negative form
CREER:
Creo que vengo a las ocho = I think I come at eight.(indicative)
No creo que venga a las ocho = I don't think I come at eight (subjunctive)
¡A pain in the back,ese subjunctivo!.Como el aspecto continuo de los tiempos ingleses para extranjeros.Hay verbos,como creer,pensar,ver,oír,decir,que piden:
-el indicativo,cuando ellos son en la forma afirmativa
-el subjunctivo, cuando ellos son en la forma negativa
CREER:
Creo que vengo a las ocho = I think I come at eight.(indicative)
No creo que venga a las ocho = I don't think I come at eight (subjunctive)
