Subjective sentenses please help
Please guys.. I'm need help desperately. I need to make a positive sentence and a negative sentence "My topic is subjective" with these verbs: saber negar pensar
I tried to make the first one: Los estudiantes saben que deben hacer los deberes Is this wrong?
7 Answers
The subjunctive mood is a hypothetical action and always accompanied by another verb in the indicative mood.
Though it is not my desire to step on any toes, I would point out that the above statement fails to accurately characterize the nature of the subjunctive in two key ways:
Misrepresentation 1: The subjunctive mood is a hypothetical action.
While this is true in some instances, it is not always the case as can be seen in the following examples (in each of these examples, the verb in the subjunctive is highlighted):
- Siento pena de que te hayas ido, de que ahora no estés más conmigo - I'm sad that you have gone, that you are not here with me anymore.
- No me gusta que me hables así - I don't like you talking to me like that.
- Aunque no sea oficial, afirman que la emergencia agropecuaria para Salta ya se homologó. - Although it's not official, they confirm that the state of emergency for the farming industry in Salta was already recognized.
Misrepresentation 2: The subjunctive mood is always accompanied by a verb in the indicative mood.
It is true that the word "subjunctive" stems from earlier Greek and Latin words related to subjoining or subordination, and this is often how subjunctive verb forms appear, as the subordinate of an indicative verb; however, this is not always the case, especially when dealing with certain desiderative expressions (i.e. those expressing a desire or wish)
- ¡Que te diviertas! - Enjoy yourself!
- ¡Ojalá que supiera la verdad! - If only she knew the truth!
- ¡(Que) Dios te guarde! - May God protect you!
- ¡Que me caiga muerto aquí mismo si miento! - May I be struck down dead if I'm lying!
Hopefully, the examples above amply illustrate the flaws inherent to the earlier assertion regarding the use of the subjunctive. It is also my hope that in offering such an unsolicited critique, I have not offended the original poster of this statement (Rac1) . It was not my intention to be belittling in any way but simply to clear up any potential misconceptions regarding the use of the subjunctive. I am aware that in a format such as this one, such criticisms can often come off as smug or condescending; however, I wish to make it clear that such a tone was never my intent, and if my observations have given rise to any offense, let me apologize here and now so that there be no hard feelings.
This will help some: Subjunctive Here is another link for studying the subjunctive: Making the subjunctive easier to understand
Then here you will find reference articles on the subjunctive: Subjunctive reference articles
"My topic is subjective" with these verbs: saber negar pensar
Did you mean to write subjective, or did you mean subjunctive?
This is the sentence you posted in your question:
"Los estudiantes saben que deben hacer los deberes."
This is the correction to that sentence:
"Los estudiantes saben que no deben dejar de hacer los deberes."
(Saber + Denial = Positive)
However, the sentence is true, but the verb is not subjunctive. The subjunctive mood is a hypothetical action and always accompanied by another verb in the indicative mood. eg: The professor wants John to think of a poem. "Think" is in the subjunctive.
An example in the subjunctive would be:
"¡Ojalá los estudiantes supieran que deben hacer los deberes!"
"I wish the students knew that they must do their homework!"
These points are not misrepresentations. Misrepresentations usually involves a deliberate intention to deceive, either for profit or advantage. On that note, you need to re-word your statements here.
I disagree. These are misrepresentations. They are misrepresentations in the sense that they offer a poor depiction as to the full and true nature of the use of the subjunctive verb form. They are misrepresentations in the sense that the chosen words do not accurately represent the subject matter at hand. True, in the spheres of jurisprudence and politics, the word often carries with it such a negative connotation as you've described; however, this does not limit the word to such realms.
In any event, it was never my intent to deliberately misrepresent you. You must realize, however, that any such misrepresentation was inadvertent and not intentional. On the other hand, the fact that the word misrepresent can be and, more importantly, is often modified by such adverbs as deliberately and inadvertently belies the fact that the word itself need not always be colored by some sort of nefarious motive.
Regarding intent, my initial choice of words was meant neither to malign nor impugn your good character. Nevertheless, I stand by them. The assertions made earlier were both specious (in that they were plausible yet false) and misleading--not intentionally misleading, yet misleading, nonetheless. As such, the summary statements regarding misrepresentation were never meant to be a question of ethics, but rather, a question of veracity.
In regards to ethics, however, some might call it unethical to act as if you know a great deal about a subject when you do not. In fact, I have read the contention that many believe it to be unethical to try to convince others of something on which you are not extremely well informed because you may inadvertently misrepresent the arguments and information. That being said, I am willing to admit my own faults, to admit the notion that my own alacrity with the English language may not be, in fact, on par with your own. As such, it is, perhaps, my own ethics that have failed me. Perhaps, I have indeed maligned you with words unbefitting your character. If so, I repent of these actions and beg your pardon for such appalling behavior--intentional or otherwise.
Si mi amiga me negara con sus amigos, no pensaría en volver a hablarla. 
I just need help making up sentenses
