13.2: Subjunctive with adjective clauses Flashcards
Adjective clauses are dependent clauses used to describe a noun. They often begin with que or quien. When using an adjective clause (underlined in the examples below) to describe something that the speaker knows exists the indicative is used.
Quiero ver la telenovela que comienza a las ocho.
En ese programa hay un conductor que es muy cómico.
However, when using an adjective clause (underlined in the examples below) to describe something that the speaker does not know exists or believes does not exist, the subjunctive is used.
Quiero ver una telenovela que sea intrigante.
I want to see a soap opera that is intriguing.
¿Hay un buen programa que comience ahora?
Is there a good show that starts now?
No hay ningún canal que tenga un documental esta noche.
There is no channel that has a documentary tonight.
Some common verbs used with adjective clauses that can require either the subjunctive or the indicative are: Buscar, necesitar, and querer.
Busco un televisor que tenga una pantalla grande.
I am looking for a television that has a big screen.
Busco el televisor que tiene una pantalla grande.
I am looking for a television that has a big screen.
In the first sentence the person does not have a specific television in mind and does not necessarily know if one exists, while in the second sentence he/she is looking for a specific television.
When asking about the existence of something, it is also necessary to use the subjunctive, as you do not know whether or not it exists.
¿Conoces a alguien que no mire la tele?
Do you know anyone who doesn’t watch TV?
¿Hay alguna película que sea romántica?
is there a romantic movie?
When using negative words, such as nadie or ninguno, to express doubt as to the existence of something, it is necessary to use the subjunctive in the adjective clause.
No conozco a nadie que no mire la tele.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t watch TV.
No hay ninguna película que sea romántica.
There is not movie that is romantic.
Investiguemos La Grámatica
When you do not have a specific person in mind or do not know if someone exists, it is not necessary to use the personal a in the main clause, except with alguien or nadie.
La estación de radio busca un locutor que pueda trabajar por la noche.
¿Conoces a alguien que busque trabajo?
