Here a "que", there a "que", everywhere a "que"

Question

Hola amigos!

I seem to be having the most trouble with the little words, especially with all the places I find the word "que". For example, I came across this sentence:

"Le invitamos a que busque más información sobre esta programa... " We invite you to look for more information about this program...

Can someone explain to me why the word "que" is used before "busque"?

Gracias!

Answer 1

Other than the injection of "might" into the direct translation, Noetol is absolutely correct.

You could say this phrase without the subjunctive "Le invitamos a buscar más información sobre esta programa" but it´s an elementary way of speaking.

Another example: "Queremos que estés aquí" would normally be translated into English as "We want you to be here" because English has degenerated into very simple sentence structure. But English has subjunctive cases as well - even though not much used or even known - and the translation, using subjunctive, is "We want that you be here."

Thanks for the extended explanation, Julian! - Noetol, May 23, 2012

Actually, in English, the more common phrase would be, "We would like you to be here." - señorluna, Aug 24, 2014

Of course it depends on the context. I can see a parent saying to a child, "I want you to be here," in a tone demanding obedience. - señorluna, Aug 24, 2014

Answer 2

Maybe a little more literal translation would help. "We invite to you that you might look for more information". Here you can see the common subjunctive use of "that" as a lead in to the present subjunctive.

I think this is right, but hopefully one of the native speakers will chime in.

Answer 3

Cancelled post

I have to disagree with you. English is one of the most difficult languages to learn as a second or foreign language. But you´re right that English has not degenerated. I misspoke. I meant to say the use of English by native speakers has degenerated - 005faa61, May 23, 2012