Using the Spanish subjunctive to express doubt or uncertainty

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...)

Dudo que ellos hayan tenido mala intención.I doubt that they had bad intentions.

Es probable que comas mucho marisco en España.It is probable that you'll eat a lot of seafood in Spain.

Here are negative examples:

No es posible que se pierdan.It is not possible for them to get lost.

No es probable que haga mal tiempo en México.It is not probable that the weather is bad in Mexico.

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.

Temo que no llegues a tiempo a tu entrevista.I fear that you will not arrive on time to your interview.

Puede ser que los novios se casaran en Haití.It might be that the bride and groom got married in Haiti.

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)
Other expressions showing certainty, therefore using the indicative, are:

Es cierto que... (It's true that...)

Es verdad que... (It's true that...)

 

See also:

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Examples and resources

No es probable que haga mal tiempo en México.It is not probable that the weather is bad in Mexico.
Puede ser que los novios se casaran en Haití.It might be that the bride and groom got married in Haiti.
No es posible que se pierdan.It is not possible for them to get lost.
Es probable que comas mucho marisco en España.It is probable that you'll eat a lot of seafood in Spain.
Dudo que ellos hayan tenido mala intención.I doubt that they had bad intentions.
Es imposible que elija ese camino para ir a la ciudad.It is impossible that he chooses that route to get to the city.
Let me take a look at that...