Subjunctive in Noun Clauses

FormsYou have already studied forms in several lessons. Review them by looking over the corresponding sections of the Manual.

FunctionsWhen an entire clause is the object of the verb, it functions as a noun and is called a noun clause. For example, in the sentence I prefer that we go to the early show, the direct object of prefer is the entire clause that we go to the early show. In Spanish, when the main verb expresses volition, the verb in the noun clause that is its object must be in the subjunctive.

Prefiero que vayamos a la primera función.

Here are some verbs that require the subjunctive in noun clauses that are their objects.

desear prohibiresperar quererinsistir en recomendarpedir sugerirpreferir

Verbs That Take Specific Prepositions

Forms

Sometimes Spanish verbs are followed by prepositions that are either not expressed in English or are expressed with a preposition other than the expected equivalent. The prepositions a, de, en, and con are the most common. If the word that follows one of these forms is a verb, it must be an infinitive.

Me olvidé de llamar. I forgot to call.

Me opongo al racismo. I oppose racism.

Contamos con tu ayuda. We are counting on your help.

Entramos en otra epoca. We’re entering another era.

Review of the Impersonal se

Form

se + third-person singular verb

Functions

The impersonal se expresses subjects that English would express with one, you, people (in general), or they. It indicates that people are involved in the action of the verb, but no specific individual is identified as performing the action. The verb is always in the third-person singular.

¿Cómo se permite que los criminales How do they (you) allowescapen de la justicia? criminals to escape justice?

Se ve que todavía hay muchos You can see that there are stillcasos de homofobia por todo many cases of homophobiael mundo. around the world.

Review of Passive se

FormsThe passive se is used with a third-person singular or plural verb, depending on whether the object being acted upon is singular or plural.

se + third person singular verb + nounplural

FunctionsAs with the impersonal se, the passive se indicate that no specific individual is being referred to. The action is being done to something but the agent (the doer) is either unknown or unimportant. Take note that the grammatical subject normally follows the verb in this construction.

Aquí no se soporta ninguna forma No form of discrimination is de discriminación. tolerated here.

Se venden las armas por el Weapons are sold through the mercado negro. black market.

¡OJO! Remember that se is also a reflexive pronoun. The reflexive se is used to talk about things that people do to or for themselves.

Los candidatos se limitan a The candidates limit themselvescontribuciones de 1.000 to contributions of 1,000dólares por persona. dollars per person.