13.2: El subjuntivo emoción

Question 1

When Expressing an emotion or feeling about something, it is necessary to use the subjunctive if there are two different subjects. Again, the verb in the main clause is in the indicative, and the verb in the dependent clause is in the subjunctive.

Answer 1

Main clause Dependent clause
Me alegra que el programa se transmita por la noche

Él tiene miedo de que el gobierno censure la programación.

Question 2

Some verbs that express emotion are:

estar contento de - to be glad; to be pleased

estar triste de - to be sad

sentir - to be sorry, to regret

tener miedo de/temer - to fear

Answer 2

Temo que haya demasiados programas violentos.
I am afraid that there are too many violent programs.

Los niños están contentos de que su madre les permita ver los dibujos animados.
The children are glad that their mother allows them to watch cartoons.

Question 3

Other verbs that express emotion are:

Aburrir - to bore
alegrar - to make happy
encantar - to love
enojar - to make angry
gustar - to like 
molestar - to bother
preocupar - to worry 
sorprender - to surprise

Answer 3

You will recall that the verbs gustar, encantar, and molestar the use of the indirect object. The other verbs in this list also require the use of the indirect object.

Me sorprende que haya tantas películas malas.
It surprises me that there are so many bad movies.

Al director le preocupa que los actores no lleguen a tiempo.
The director is worried the actors won’t arrive on time.

Notice that you must use the personal a if you identify the indirect object.

Question 4

If there is only one subject, the que is not necessary and the infinitive is used with the expression of emotion rather than the subjunctive.

Answer 4

Estoy contento de ayudar con el documental.
I am happy to help with the documentary.

Sentimos no poder asistir al estreno.
We regret not being able to attend the debut.

Question 5

Investiguemos La Gramática

In Capítulo 9 you learned that the reflexive verbs alegrarse, enojarse, preocuparse, etc., are used to express a change in emotion or feeling. These verbs would also require the subjunctive; however, the preposition de is necessary before que.

Answer 5

Me alegro de que vayas a casarte

I am happy that you are going to get married.