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I have a problem with subjuntivo when I speak EnglishThis is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish. |
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#1
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I have a problem with subjuntivo when I speak English
In spanish we have subjuntivo, nor in english. And this is a problem to me to express many things because it Something that is suposed to be easier in english, is very, very difficult for me.
An example, in other post I wanted to say: A pesar de que esto sea correcto, trataré de decirlo de otra manera para enriquecer mi vocabulario. I wrote it in present: In spite of this is correct ...But I still have the doubt of what verbal time may I use. And my problem becomes bigger with imperfecto de subjuntivo, perfecto de subjuntivo and pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo. Any examples: Si hubieras estado atento en clase, entenderías el ejercicio. Que esté aquí ahora no quiere decir que haya vuelto para quedarme. Si estuvieras en mi lugar lo entenderías. I will be grateful whith any help to understand this. |
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#2
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Because the subjuntive is sparsely used in English, we have to use words like may, even though, although, in spite of (words that express tentitiveness) Si acaso no paresca claro mi explición, pide que la clarifique.(Did I get the subjunctive right?
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Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias. |
#3
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If you want a few more options, just for comparison, here you go.
A pesar de que esto sea correcto... Even though this is correct... (this is the best, most common way of saying it, as poli mentioned) In spite of this being correct... In spite of the fact that this is correct... Si hubieras estado atento en clase, entenderías el ejercicio. If you had paid attention in class, you would understand the exercise. If you'd (you had) paid attention in class, you'd (you had) understand the exercise. If you had been attentive in classe, you'd understand the exercise. Que esté aquí ahora no quiere decir que haya vuelto para quedarme. The fact that I'm here now doesn't mean I'm (I am) back to stay. The fact that I'm here now doesn't mean I've (I have) come back to stay. Even though I'm here now, that doesn't mean I'm here to stay. (this is the use of "even though" as Poli mentioned) Si estuvieras en mi lugar lo entenderías. If you were in my shoes you'd (you would) understand. (in this case, you use "were" which actually is subjunctive in English). If you were in my position/place you would understand.
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If you find something wrong with my Spanish, please correct it! |
#4
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Had I not paid attention in class, I would have never been able to accomplish this. And................................ If I were a king you would be my queen. Actually I used that phrase very early on.... What? I am latin! I'll have you know. |
#5
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I understand clearly your examples. You have done a great job with your homework.
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We are building the most important dare for my life and my family feature now we are installing new services in telecoms. |
#6
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Thanks to all for your commentaries, B.
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I will be grateful if you quote my messages and correct my mistakes :-) |
#7
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In spite of this being correct...Why did you use a gerund in this one, and in the other two you used present tense?
'This being correct' is another way to say something tentative. 'Being correct' isn't a gerund, it is the present progressive. (gerundio <> gerund) Si hubieras estado atento en clase, entenderías el ejercicio. HERE! Here is where my doubts appear. Thanks for taking a few minutes to help me. If you had paid attention in class, you would understand the exercise. So, if I want to say, "Ella había prestado atención en clase, y por eso no tenía miedo al examen," what tense do I have to use? The same one? (Yes, the past perfect.) This is: She had paid attention in class, so she had no fear of the exam. Right? (Correct.) If you'd (you had) paid attention in class, you'd (you had) understand the exercise. Si estuvieras en mi lugar lo entenderías. If you were in my shoes you'd (you would) understand. (in this case, you use "were" which actually is subjunctive in English). But it's indicative, too. Isn't it? (Yes, in this case 'were' is both the subjunctive and the indicative past tense. If the subject were in 1st or third person, you'd see that we still use 'were' (if we're educated enough to use the subjunctive, that is.)) I mean, if I want to say: Cuando estabas en mi lugar entendías esto de otro modo. If I am not wrong, It is: When you were in my shoes you understood this another way. Hope I helped answer your questions. |
#8
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"If I were a butterfly" - were is subjunctive "If I were you" Older generations will tend to use "were" more then younger generations, who replace it with "was". If I were happy, I wouldn't leave you. If I was happy, I wouldn't leave you. It really doesn't have much to do with education-- younger speakers will choose the second option, while older speakers are more likely to use the first.
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If you find something wrong with my Spanish, please correct it! |
#9
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Yes. David. You are right. I liked so much your explain about it.
__________________
We are building the most important dare for my life and my family feature now we are installing new services in telecoms. |
#10
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"Be he alive or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make my bread!" |
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