Ch 29 · Lesson 18Spanish · Chapter 29 · Lesson 18 · Grammar primer
Haga lo que haga: whatever, and the personal a
(anyone) against (one I know), the superlative, and .
The short version
: whatever, wherever, whoever
, .
Why?Hide
Say a subjunctive twice around , or and you get whatever, wherever or whoever: , , . Both verbs are subjunctive, because the thing is left completely open.
The personal a comes and goes
A specific person as the object takes the personal a. An unknown one usually loses it, so the a and the mood often move together:
| Person | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| anyone | . | I'm looking for an employee who knows German. |
| one I know | . | I'm looking for the employee who knows German. |
| . | I'm looking for someone who knows German. |
| . | I can't see anyone who can help. |
and always keep the a, even when nobody in particular is meant.
After a superlative or el único
After a superlative or , the indicative is the everyday choice. The subjunctive turns up in careful speech and writing, and adds a shade of as far as I know:
| Mood | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | . | It's the best film I' seen. |
| careful | . | It's the best film I' ever seen. |
| everyday | . | You' the only person who understands me. |
Haga lo que haga: whatever
Say a subjunctive twice around , or and you get whatever, wherever, whoever. Both verbs are subjunctive:
| Pattern | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| whatever | , . | Whatever he/she does, they ignore him/her. |
| wherever | , . | Wherever you go, I'll find you. |
| whoever | , . | Whoever it is, they can wait. |
| whatever | , . | Whatever it costs, we'll finish it. |
The same idea works with a single : the subjunctive leaves it open, the indicative points at something known:
.- Do whatever you like..- I always do what I want.
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| (any one) | | wanted, not yet found |
| you have it: indicative | |
| denied: subjunctive | |
| keeps the personal a | |
| sea | | both verbs are subjunctive |
Going further: Known or open: the chart and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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