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Use the subjunctive?

 

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  #1  
Old February 09, 2009, 09:36 AM
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Use the subjunctive?

In phrases using "lo bueno", "lo mejor", "lo malo", etc., is the subjunctive used in the following clause because these are statements of opinion? Example:

"Lo bueno es que ella siempre llegue a tiempo".
"The good thing is she always shows up on time".

"Lo malo es que yo siempre coma demasiado"
"The bad thing is I always eat too much"

Thanks
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  #2  
Old February 09, 2009, 12:02 PM
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When feelings (opinions) are expressed, as opposed to facts, the subjunctive is used. Your sentences could also have been cast in the indicative. If facts are being expressed, use the indicative.
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Old February 09, 2009, 12:06 PM
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For your two examples, the indicative sounds much better.
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Old February 09, 2009, 12:49 PM
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Thank you very much.
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Old February 11, 2009, 07:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tacuba View Post
In phrases using "lo bueno", "lo mejor", "lo malo", etc., is the subjunctive used in the following clause because these are statements of opinion? Example:

"Lo bueno es que ella siempre llegue a tiempo".
"The good thing is she always shows up on time".

"Lo malo es que yo siempre coma demasiado"
"The bad thing is I always eat too much"

Thanks


I agree with Rusty and Tomisimo that indicative is the right tense for these sentences... however subjunctive is needed for "lo bueno de que" and "lo malo de que":


"Lo bueno de que ella siempre llegue a tiempo, es que nunca hay que esperarla."
"The good thing about her always arriving on time, is that we never have to wait for her"

"Lo malo de que siempre coma demasiado, es que estoy engordando"
"The bad thing about my always eating too much, is that I'm gaining weight"


*gulp* I fear this time my English is failing me and I'll need correction on the translated sentences.
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Old February 12, 2009, 09:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AngelicaDeAlquezar View Post
I agree with Rusty and Tomisimo that indicative is the right tense for these sentences... however subjunctive is needed for "lo bueno de que" and "lo malo de que":


"Lo bueno de que ella siempre llegue a tiempo, es que nunca hay que esperarla."
"The good thing about her always arriving on time, is that we never have to wait for her"

"Lo malo de que siempre coma demasiado, es que estoy engordando"
"The bad thing about my always eating too much, is that I'm gaining weight"


*gulp* I fear this time my English is failing me and I'll need correction on the translated sentences.
Thank you very much Angelica, this is very helpful. Also, don't fear - your English is perfect.
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