Wondering About the Subjunctive...

Question

I'm writing an essay for my high school Spanish class, and, much to my chagrin, it is not going well at all. After revising it three times, I have finally got the content to a level that my teacher is (sort of) happy with, but now I need to focus on grammar problems. I'm having some trouble deciding when to use the present subjunctive... Here are a few of the sentences I'm not sure about. If anyone could tell me whether I need to use the subjunctive or indicative for the verb with the ? after it, I would appreciate it very much.

-En "La Trama," Borges indica que cada acontecimiento se repite? otra vez y otra vez.

-Dice que lo que les pasa? a los personajes ya había decidido por alguien hace mucho tiempo.

-Los cuentos no solamente sugieren que el destino nos controla? sino también describen lo que es el destino de los seres humanos.

God question. - annierats, Jun 1, 2012

Answer 1

Here is a link into the Subjunctive There are several different areas covered on the subjunctive in the Spanish Grammar section under the "Learn" tab at the top of the page.

Thank you for the link! I guess that I probably should have looked around before I posted a question... - quoththeraven, Jun 1, 2012

No problem Quoththerave. I hope it will help! :) - rac1, Jun 1, 2012

Answer 2

Hola, quoththeraven. I must say that "The Raven" is certainly a great poem. Back when I was in highschool, I had to recite some of it aloud. I still remember doing that, although it was decades ago.

Anyway, I have looked at your Spanish sentences. Maybe, I am missing something, but I don't see a requirement for use of the Subjunctive in any of them. It might help, if you would tell us why, for each sentence, you think the Subjunctive might be required.

Thanks, and I hope that we will be able to clarify the issue(s) that you have, and find an answer. (Gee this sentence would be in the subjunctive in Spanish! haha)

I agree: I can't see any need for the subjunctive in the Spanish. Typo correction in English: "Anyway, I have looked...." - --Mariana--, Jun 1, 2012

"Anyways" is just slang I picked up from the kids from 21 yrs. of teaching 6th grade. lol - Esteban3304, Jun 1, 2012

I didn't think that any of them would require the subjunctive either, but my Spanish teacher told me that I needed to use it for the sentence using sugerir. - quoththeraven, Jun 1, 2012

But I didn't get a chance to ask about the other sentences, and, while they seem similar to the sentence using sugerir, they also seem to be a little bit more definite (decir just sounds more concrete than sugerir). - quoththeraven, Jun 1, 2012

Your teacher is wrong about "sugerir" as it is used in your passage. Have your teacher 1. look at the diff. definitions of "sugerir" and 2. See what invokes the subjunctive. - Esteban3304, Jun 2, 2012

"Sugerir" only invokes the subjunctive when it has the meaning of "proponer". I don't have a Spanish degree, but at least mention this opinion and see if she or he agrees. Thanks. - Esteban3304, Jun 2, 2012

So you only use sugerir when it means to suggest that someone do something, and not when it means to suggest an idea? - quoththeraven, Jun 5, 2012

Answer 3

This link (Study Spanish.com) is also good to look at. It comes with quizzes and stuff to help you remember.

Study Spanish Subjunctive, Part 1

Answer 4

Los cuentos no solamente sugieren que el destino nos controla? sino también describen lo que es el destino de los seres humanos.

el destino nos controle?? .. que sea el destino de..

I only think so because I would, without hesitation, translate it with 'may' or ''might''.. I'm lousy at grammar and have terrible problems with the subjunctive so , listen to other people first. I'll look out for the answers.

Actually, you're quite good with grammar. I'm impressed at your abilities, especially for being so young! Good job! - robinflight, Jun 1, 2012

What you say makes sense, Annierats... and I agree with robinflight. Thanks for your answer. - quoththeraven, Jun 1, 2012

I disagree. "Sugerir", to invoke the subj., must function as a request/command to act (proponer). But here, it means to insinuate (insinuar). So, no subjunctive mood is invoked. Nor do I see how "may" or "might" can be validly added. - Esteban3304, Jun 2, 2012

Dear Robin, I fear I'm not terribly young. But thanks! - annierats, Jun 4, 2012

Answer 5

I don't see the need for the subjunctive in any of your sentences.