explaining that you didn't say something triggers the subjunctive?
4
votes
In a scenario, a person assumes that I am smart.
If I were to say, "I never said I was smart," would I use the subjunctive or indicative?
"Nunca he dicho que era listo"
"Nunca he dicho que fuera listo"
1025 views
updated Apr 3, 2016
edited by cmusba
posted by cmusba
2 Answers
5
votes
"Nunca dije que fuera listo" - I never said that I was smart.
"Nunca he dicho que sea listo" - I've never said that I am smart.
updated Apr 3, 2016
edited by 0bito
posted by 0bito
Gracias - rac1, Apr 3, 2016
sweet and to the point. Thanks. - cmusba, Apr 3, 2016
4
votes
Obito is correct because the verb decir is a negative action, so the following actions must be subjunctive - they didn´t happen. Think of it this way rather than "triggers" of subjunctive. There are many times, in other cases, when we have the option of either subjunctive or indicative depending on the desired nuance. In these cases your "triggers" might create the wrong nuance.
updated Apr 3, 2016
posted by 005faa61
I think I get. it has something to do with the two clauses negating each other. for example "no es" que "sea" listo. Both clauses negate each other. - cmusba, Apr 3, 2016
