The Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses (with the unknown)
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses Sometimes you use an entire clause to describe a noun. This is called an adjective clause. When you have a specific person or thing in mind, you use the indicative. Este libro tiene un artículo que habla sobre los mayas. Hay un sitio web que tiene la información.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses If you don´t have a specific person or thing in mind, or if you are not sure the person exists, you use the subjunctive
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses Busco un libro que tenga un artículo sobre los mayas. Escoge una cosa que te guste.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses Verbs like buscar, querer, or necesitar + que are used with the subjunctive when they introduce something that is not known for certain. Quiero una computadora portátil que no cueste mucho.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses The personal “a” is not used with direct objects that represent hypothetical persons. Antecedent uncertain subjunctive Busco un abogado que sea honrado Antecedent certain indicative Conozco a un abogado que es honrado e inteligente
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses When the antecedent of an adjective clause is a negative pronoun (nadie, ninguno/a), the subjunctive is used. Antecedent uncertain subjunctive Ella no tiene ningun pariente que viva en Nicaragua. Antecedent certain indicative Ella tiene tres parientes que viven en Nicaragua.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses The personal “a” is maintained before nadie and alguien, even when their existence is uncertain. Antecedent uncertain subjunctive No conozco a nadie que se queje tanto como mi suegra. Antecedent certain indicative Yo conozco a alguien que se queja mucho.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses The subjunctive is commonly used in questions with adjective clauses when the speaker is trying to find information about which he or she is uncertain. If the person who responds knows the information, the indicative is used.
Antecedent uncertain subjunctive ¿Me recomienda usted un restaurante que esté cerca de mi casa? Antecedent certain indicative Por supuesto, el restaurante de mi yerno es muy bueno y está cerca de tu casa.