Ch 20 · Lesson 16Spanish · Chapter 20 · Lesson 16 · Grammar primer
Es importante descansar: the infinitive
Advice for nobody in particular takes the infinitive: . Aimed at someone, + subjunctive: .
The short version
Advice for anyone takes the infinitive
.
Why?Hide
When the advice is for nobody in particular, drop the and use the infinitive: . Aim it at someone and you need + subjunctive: . Never mix the two: does not exist.
Es importante descansar: the infinitive
When the advice is for nobody in particular, drop the and use the infinitive. Aim it at someone and you need + subjunctive:
| Who it is for | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| anyone | . | It's important to rest. |
| you | . | It's important that you rest. |
| anyone | . | It's better to say nothing. |
| you | . | It's better if you say nothing. |
| anyone | . | You have to be careful. |
| us | . | We need to be careful. |
The infinitive states a rule; + subjunctive pins it on a person. It works with the judgement openers, never with the fact openers: there is no " + infinitive".
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a fact takes the indicative | |
| no | | a fact denied: subjunctive |
| a possibility: subjunctive | |
| no before an infinitive | |
| a judgement: subjunctive |
Going further: Impersonal expressions at a glance and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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