The Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses

Adjective Clauses

• An adjective clause (oración subordinada adjetiva) is a subordinate clause that describes a noun or pronoun (antecedent) in the main clause.

Subjunctive vs. Indicative

• Use the indicative when the antecedent is known to exist.
• Use the subjunctive when the antecedent is unknown or uncertain.
• Example:
  • Antecedent uncertain ➙ Subjunctive: Busco un abogado que sea honrado. (I’m looking for a lawyer who is honest.)
  • Antecedent certain ➙ Indicative: Conozco a un abogado que es honrado, justo e inteligente. (I know a lawyer who is honest, fair, and smart.)

Negative Pronouns

• When the antecedent of an adjective clause is a negative pronoun (nadie, ninguno/a), the subjunctive is used.

Personal 'a'

• Do not use the personal a with direct objects that represent hypothetical persons.
• Use the personal a before nadie and alguien, even when their existence is uncertain.
  • Example:
    • No conozco a nadie que se queje tanto como mi suegra. (I don’t know anyone who complains as much as my mother-in-law.)
    • Yo conozco a alguien que se queja aún más… ¡la mía! (I know someone who complains even more… mine!)

Questions with Adjective Clauses

• The subjunctive is commonly used in questions with adjective clauses when the speaker is trying to find out information about which he or she is uncertain.
• If the person who responds knows the information, the indicative is used.
  • Example:
    • ¿Me recomienda usted un buen restaurante que esté cerca de aquí? (Can you recommend a good restaurant that is nearby?) - Subjunctive
    • Sí, el restaurante de mi yerno está muy cerca y es excelente. (Yes, my son-in-law’s restaurant is nearby, and it’s excellent.) - Indicative