El Subjuntivo Parte III Adjective Clauses

Surprise, there are more subjunctives ahead! But luckily, this is a pretty easy one!

First, you will need to be able to form the subjunctive. If you can’t remember them, go back and review the subjunctive formation presentation. Ok, if you are ready now, we will begin…

See if you can figure out what makes them different. Look at these examples. See if you can figure out what makes them different. Voy a casarme con una chica que cocine bien. I am going to marry a girl who can cook well. Voy a casarme con una chica que cocina bien. I am going to marry a girl who can cook well. Ay caramba, I don’t see a difference, do you? When you think you have it figured out, click to get the answers.

Let’s take a look again… Voy a casarme con una chica que cocine bien. I am going to marry a girl who can cook well. I don’t know who that girl is yet, but I can guarantee you that anyone I marry, will know how to cook. Voy a casarme con una chica que cocina bien. I am going to marry a girl who can cook well. Her name is Marisol and we are getting married next month. Does that clear it up a bit?

Now try these. I bet you will do much better. Busco una secretaria que hable español. I am looking for a secretary who speaks Spanish. I don’t know if there is someone, but I need someone who can. Busco la secretaria que habla español. I am looking for the secretary that speaks Spanish. You know, the one we hired last week. ¿Hay alguien aquí que tenga un lápiz? Is there anyone who has a pencil? I have my fingers crossed that there is but I don’t know if or who. Is that any better?

And just in case you were wondering, this doesn’t refer to just people. Necesito un coche que sea barato. I need a car that is cheap. I don’t know which car it’s going to turn out to be. Has visto una película que sea interesante? Have you seen a movie that’s interesting? I hope so because I am tired of seeing boring movies.

A question can sometimes indicates a subjunctive. Here are a couple of hints to help you determine if you need a subjunctive or not. A question can sometimes indicates a subjunctive. ¿Hay alguien que tenga un lápiz? I don’t know whether there is anyone or not. ¿Conoces un restaurante que sirva comida italiana? Do you know a restaurant (any one) that serves Italian food? But, be careful… ¿Conoces el restaurante que sirve comida italiana? You know, the new one they opened last week.

A negative word will indicate a need for a subjunctive. Also… A negative word will indicate a need for a subjunctive. No hay nadie que hable español. I don’t know whether there is anyone or not. No veo nada que te guste. I don’t see anything that you would like.

Y ahora, un poco de práctica. Quiero asistir a una universidad que una buena reputación. (tener) tenga Mi mamá necesita a alguien que la con la comida. (ayudar) ayude No veo a nadie que enfermo. (estar) esté ¿Hablaste con el chico que ayer? (conocer) conociste Did I get you on the last one?

That's all for now. Adiós