The Subjunctive with Doubt: dudo que, no creo que, es posible que

Spanish: El subjuntivo con la duda: dudo que, no creo que, es posible que

Level: B1 Intermediate

Category: subjunctive

Explanation

The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, uncertainty, or probability. When we are not sure about something, or when we deny that something is true, the verb in the subordinate clause goes in the subjunctive. This contrasts with the indicative, which we use to talk about real facts and certainties. The most common expressions that introduce doubt are: "dudar que" (I doubt that he is coming), "no creer que" (I don't believe that it's true), "no pensar que" (I don't think that he is right), and "no estar seguro de que" (I'm not sure that he will arrive). Notice an important detail: when these expressions are negative they indicate doubt and require the subjunctive, but when they are affirmative they express certainty and require the indicative. For example: "Creo que viene" (indicative, certainty) versus "No creo que venga" (subjunctive, doubt). We also use the subjunctive with impersonal expressions of probability such as "es posible que" (it's possible that it will rain), "es probable que" (it's likely that he'll be late), and "puede que" (it may be that it's not open). These expressions always require the subjunctive because they present something as a possibility, not as a confirmed fact. Remember that the structure is: expression of doubt + que + verb in the subjunctive. The subject of the two clauses is usually different. If there is only one subject, we often use the infinitive instead (for example: "Dudo poder ir" instead of "Dudo que yo pueda ir").

Examples

• No creo que el café esté abierto tan temprano. - I don't think the café is open this early.
• Dudo que tengan mesa para cuatro personas. - I doubt they have a table for four people.
• Es posible que la habitación no esté lista todavía. - It's possible the room isn't ready yet.
• No pienso que este pan sea fresco. - I don't think this bread is fresh.
• Es probable que el museo cierre a las seis. - It's likely the museum closes at six.