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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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