no es verdad que no tenga dinero
1
vote
just confirm for me that "tener" is supposed to be in subjunctive. Because "no es verdad" infers that it's definate that it's not true that he doesn't have any money... right?
1239 views
updated Jan 21, 2013
posted by kyle_hurley
1 Answer
3
votes
You are correct because you are denying with "tener" ...saying that it's not true.
No es verdad que no (tenga) dinero - It's false, it's not true... you aren't giving it the life of indicative because you are denying it.
When denying the reality of something you use subjunctive (I'm generalizing here). Think about it this way... (Especially for the subjunctive with denial)
The indicative would give it life... it has to be reality to have life... you are denying it with "No es verdad que" and you are taking the life out of it with the subjunctive.
updated Jan 21, 2013
edited by avispao
posted by avispao
It's a lie, it's false... it's not true.... you killed that falsity with the subjunctive... it doesn't live. - avispao, Jan 21, 2013
Interesting way to look at it. Thanks, Avispao! - Noetol, Jan 21, 2013
