No es que ...
I have seen the phrase "no es que" used with subjunctive such as:
No es que no me guste
No es que no pueda
Does this phrase always require the use, when, and why? If I could get answers to these questions that would be very helpful.
Saludos!
3 Answers
When and why? Subjunctive rather than indicative is always used after "no es que" simply because the phrase that follows "no es que" is not true, so how can you possibily use indicative?
"No es que", is used as a form of telling someone that you don´t do something because you don't want, not beacause you can´t. Example: No escalé ese muro, no es que no pueda, simplemente no quiero. ( I didn´t climb that wall, not because i can´t, just don want to do it. Also, it used as an excuse, for instance (I remember this word, i´m not sure if it's correct the way i'm using it) No fuí a tu fiesta, no es que no quisiera, pero estaba enfermo (I didn´t go to your party, no that i didn't want to, but I was sick.
"No es que......" simply means, "It's not that..." plus whatever follows.
"No es que no me guste" = It not that I don't like it/him/her or whatever.
"No es que no pueda" It's not that I/he/she/usted can't (do something)
In these sentences the subject is not given, there is probably more context in each of these that would reveal who the subject is.
Notice that "No es que......" requires the subjunctive in the following phrase.
