Subjunctive vs indicative
Type the missing word in each sentence. You hear each sentence read by a native voice.
No quiero que Tomás (enfermarse).
I don't want Tomás to get sick.
The rule
Use the indicative when you present something as real or certain. Use the subjunctive when you express a wish, doubt, emotion, or something that may not exist. This distinction helps you say what you believe, question, want, and look for more precisely.
The pattern
The indicative is the normal verb form for information you treat as a fact or reality. The subjunctive is a different verb form used when the information is uncertain, desired, doubted, denied, or emotional.
| Meaning | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I present it as true or real | Indicative | Creo que tiene razón. |
| I doubt it, deny it, or react to it emotionally | Subjunctive | No creo que tenga razón. |
A single no can change the verb form. Creo que presents the idea as believable, so it takes the indicative. No creo que expresses doubt, so it takes the subjunctive.
The same contrast appears with es verdad que. If you say something is true, use the indicative. If you deny that it is true, use the subjunctive.
Use the subjunctive in a description after que when the person or thing is unknown or may not exist. Use the indicative when you are talking about a specific person or thing you know exists.
Words such as cuando, aunque, and para que can also require the subjunctive. Their patterns are covered in the next lesson.
Examples
- Creo que tiene razón.I think he is right.
- No creo que tenga razón.I do not think he is right.
- Es verdad que llega tarde.It is true that he arrives late.
- No es verdad que llegue tarde.It is not true that he arrives late.
- Me alegra que estés aquí.I am happy that you are here.
- Busco un restaurante que tenga terraza.I am looking for a restaurant with a terrace.
- Conozco un restaurante que tiene terraza.I know a restaurant that has a terrace.
Watch out
- No creo que tiene razón. No creo que tenga razón.After no creo que, use the subjunctive because you are expressing doubt.
- Creo que tenga razón. Creo que tiene razón.Creo que presents the idea as believable, so it takes the indicative.
- Busco un departamento que es barato. Busco un departamento que sea barato.Use the subjunctive when you are looking for a place that may not exist yet.