Ch 29 · Lesson 17Spanish · Chapter 29 · Lesson 17 · Grammar primer
The subjunctive in relative clauses
a , : when the noun a relative clause describes is wanted, denied or questioned, the verb goes subjunctive; when it is specific and real, it stays indicative.
The short version
Known thing indicative, wanted thing subjunctive
.
Why?Hide
No trigger word decides this one, you do. If the noun is a specific thing you have in mind, the clause is indicative: . If it is a description of something wanted, sought, questioned or denied, it goes subjunctive. Feel the antecedent first, choose the mood second.
Known or open: the chart
The noun the clause describes is the antecedent. Ask whether the speaker knows it exists:
| Antecedent | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| known, real | . | I have a car that uses little fuel. |
| wanted | . | I want a car that uses little fuel. |
| denied | . | There's no car that uses so little. |
| questioned | Âż ? | Is there a car that uses so little? |
The verb sits in the same slot every time; only the mood changes:
English uses the same verb in all four. Spanish tells you whether the thing exists.
Wanted, sought, needed
, and describe something you do not have yet, so the clause after them is usually subjunctive. Once it is found or known, the indicative:
| Status | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| wanted | . | I'm looking for a flat with a balcony. |
| found | . | I found a flat that has a balcony. |
| wanted | . | We need someone who knows English. |
| known | . | I work with someone who knows English. |
| wanted | . | I want something that doesn't cost much. |
The indicative after is possible, but it means one particular thing you know exists: . is a specific person you are trying to find.
No hay nadie que: denied
When the main clause says the thing does not exist, the clause is always subjunctive. You cannot describe as real what you have just denied:
| Denial | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| . | There's nobody who knows. |
| . | There's nothing I like here. |
| . | I don't know any doctor who works on Sundays. |
| . | I don't have a single book about this. |
ÂżHay alguien que?: questioned
A question about whether something exists normally takes the subjunctive, because the speaker does not know yet:
Âż ?- Is there anyone here who speaks English?Âż ?- Do you know anyone who can fix it?Âż ?- Is there a train that leaves before eight?
Once someone answers, the person is known, and the indicative comes back: , Ana . (yes, Ana speaks English).
Going further: The personal a comes and goes and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
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