Using the subjunctive rather than the indicative

Question

A Usage Guide to Spanish Grammar and Idioms (ISBN 0 -673 - 57609-A) presents one use of "cuanto (a - os - as)" thusly: As an indefinite adjective = "As many as, as much as, whatever." It then presents these examples; (1) Te daré cuantas fotografías quieres. (If the number is known: the indicative is used.) (2) Te daré cuantas fotografías quieras." (if the number is not known: the subjunctive is used).

It gives the translation to English in both examples as: "I shall give you as many photographs as you want." Why is there a "choice" of verb forms in Spanish?

One more related question: I read the subjunctive is used when an uncertainty is expressed in the independent clause. Isn't an "uncertainty" clearly established by the use of "cuantas" in this example, therefore making the use of the indicative form erroneous?

Answer 1

I don't know grammar, but in this case I would not use the indicative.

EDIT:(after commenting on jubilado's post)

Now something would be if you "las" as in "Te daré las fotos que quieres/quieras"

Indicative, would be used as if there is/was an agreement on how many or which ones/what kinds of pics are going to be, etc.

Subjunctive if the person is proposing the other something and in both cases and condition follows as in"if you pay/do/whatever etc".

I feel so bad giving you this piece of info, because I can even picture myself nodding as I am being given this explanation and understanding it. The mind is so powerful and you all have one, of course, and this kind of info is like a drug for our minds...

Well, you know Spanish, jeje - rac1, Sep 3, 2013

Please comment on my answer. If it is nonsense I will cross it all out and say so. Thanks! - Jubilado, Sep 4, 2013

Rac1, I know, that's the problem for me with this type of questions. :( - chileno, Sep 4, 2013

Chileno: "this type of question" or "these types of questions" :)> - Jubilado, Sep 4, 2013

Right, I wanted to say These type of questions but I decided for the single one ad my little finger didn;t follow my mind.... :) Thanks - chileno, Sep 4, 2013

Answer 2

(1) Te daré cuantas fotografías quieres. (If the number is known: the indicative is used.)

(2) Te daré cuantas fotografías quieras." (if the number is not known: the subjunctive is used).

I hope chileno will confirm or negate what I am answering:

1 says "I will give you the quantity of photos (that) you want."

2 says "I will give you however many photos you want."

That's the way I interpret the Usage Guide's explanation. I can't vouch for the people who wrote that, but any native speaker (like chileno) can tell you what sounds right to them.

This is nonsense apparently if (or I mean when) I understand chileno's explanation. I don't understand how books can be published just to misinform people.

If the numbers of pics is known or unknown is irrelevant, you have to use the Subjuntive. - chileno, Sep 4, 2013

Did you read the edit I did on my post? - chileno, Sep 4, 2013