Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


Superlative subjunctive constructions

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old August 05, 2016, 11:03 AM
yevrah yevrah is offline
Opal
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
yevrah is on a distinguished road
Question Superlative subjunctive constructions

I've come across the following in a book I'm reading:

"Eran las mejores personas que podrías encontrar en el mundo."

Were I writing this sentence I would have used the imperfect subjunctive rather than the conditional:

"Eran las mejores personas que pudieses encontrar en el mundo."

Which is correct? And if both are, what are the differences in meaning?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old August 05, 2016, 12:18 PM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
Commonly the conditional goes with the subjunctive, so fueron las mejores personas que podrías encontrar.. sounds correct to me. Leave it to natives to find out if there are exceptions are a possibility. I don't think so though.
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old August 05, 2016, 03:02 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is offline
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
I would also use "pudieras"/"pudieses" because of the agreement with the past tense --they were the best people ever, but the listener can't meet them now.

I would prefer a present verb for the agreement with "podrías": "son las mejores personas que podrías encontrar" --there is now a possibility to meet those people.

The only explanation I find now is that many people are quitting the use of the past subjunctive because it sounds pretentious to them.
In any case, the speaker/writer probably has in mind a probability that one can meet people like the ones he/she described, and that is why he/she is using "podrías".



@Poli: With "fueron" I would have preferred "que hubieras podido encontrar".
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
conditional, imperfect, subjunctive, superlative

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Why subjunctive? PG12345 Grammar 5 April 02, 2014 05:10 AM
Reflexive Constructions in Reciprocal Actions laepelba Practice & Homework 20 May 31, 2010 07:37 PM
"Que nadie" superlative wafflestomp Grammar 2 May 30, 2010 03:29 PM
Superlative construction itsameag Grammar 4 February 15, 2010 06:57 AM
Superlative question literacola Grammar 5 February 05, 2009 12:04 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:55 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X