Ch 21 · Lesson 9Spanish · Chapter 21 · Lesson 9 · Grammar primer
Quizás, tal vez and a lo mejor
Four ways to say maybe: and take either mood, takes the indicative, the subjunctive.
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Spanish has four everyday ways to say maybe. always takes the indicative: . always takes the subjunctive: . and take either, and the subjunctive keeps the question more open.
Quizás, tal vez and a lo mejor
Spanish has four everyday ways to say maybe, and they treat the mood differently:
| Maybe | Mood | Example |
|---|---|---|
| either | . |
| either | . |
| indicative | . |
| subjunctive | . |
With (also written ) and , the subjunctive keeps the question open and the indicative leans towards yes:
.- Maybe he/she will come. (no idea).- Maybe he/she's coming. (probably)
Put after the verb and it takes the indicative: , . - He/she's coming, maybe.
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| no | | the no withdraws it: subjunctive |
| vouches for it | |
| doubt takes the subjunctive | |
| takes the indicative | |
| takes the subjunctive |
Going further: Doubt and denial at a glance and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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