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Use of the subjunctiveThis 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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Use of the subjunctive
From a novel I'm reading (written in Spanish by a Spanish speaker).
"Porque él así jugaba, cuando el muerto era suyo o le parecía benéfica su desaparición, mandaba enormes coronas de flores, tan enormes que no cupieran por la puerta de la casa en que se velaba al difunto." I'm wondering about the use of the subjunctive "cupieran". Is it obligatory here, or does it have something to do with the perception of the narrator. To me, it appears to be a statement of fact, that the wreaths wouldn't fit through the doorways, so I can't see why the indicative isn't used. Am I missing something obvious? Thanks
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I would be grateful if you would correct my errors. Estaría agradecido si corrigiera mis errores. Last edited by tacuba; February 02, 2010 at 01:19 PM. |
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#2
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There's a slight difference.
He would send such huge wreaths they couldn't fit through the door OR He would send such huge wreaths they wouldn't fit through the door. Mandaba coronas de flores tan enormes que no cabían por la puerta OR Mandaba coronas de flores tan enormes que no cupieran por la puerta. I understand that the fact the wreaths couldn't fit was accidental in the first sentence. In the second sentence it's definitely intentional, i.e. he goes out of his way to make sure that the wreaths won't fit, which follows, as it starts by saying that he liked to play that way.
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"Desiderata" - ...be gentle with yourself.You are a child of this universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. ...sé amable contigo mismo. Eres una criatura de este universo al igual que los árboles y las estrellas; tienes derecho a estar aquí. |
#3
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(nothing)
I agree with Ambarina. |
#4
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Quote:
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#5
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Supongo que te refieres a condicional. Yo también usaría el imperfecto.
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#6
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¿y cuál es el imperfecto?
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#7
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Cabían.
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#8
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Thank you PJT.
First time in years I ask a question about grammar, because it caught my interest. |
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