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When we introduce a sentence in Spanish with a verb that expresses doubt or uncertainty, whether it be affirmative or negative, it is followed by the subjunctive. For example:
- Dudo que... (I doubt that...)
- Es posible que... (It is possible that...)
- Es probable que... (It is probable that...)
Here are negative examples:
Here are more common doubt or uncertainty phrases which apply this rule:
- Es dudoso que... (It is doubtful that...)
- Es imposible que... (It is impossible that...)
- Es improbable que... (It is improbable that...)
Have a look and listen to these examples which use the subjunctive:
Es imposible que elija ese camino para ir a la ciudad.It is impossible that he chooses that route to get to the city.
However, if the expressions introduce certainty, we need to use Modo indicativo. For example compare:
- Estoy segura de que has llegado a tiempo. (certainty)
- No estoy segura de que hayas llegado a tiempo. (uncertainty)
Es cierto que... (It's true that...)
Es verdad que... (It's true that...)
See also:
- Using the Spanish subjunctive with negative opinion phrases
- Using the Spanish subjunctive with verbs that express "wish" and "feeling"
- Using the Spanish subjunctive with impersonal expressions
- Modo subjuntivo
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Examples and resources
Es imposible que elija ese camino para ir a la ciudad.It is impossible that he chooses that route to get to the city.
Puede ser que los novios se casaran en Haití.It might be that the bride and groom got married in Haiti.