Spanish Translation
Estoy segura de que fue un accidente.
Why is the subjunctive used here even though the subject says “I am sure that” which eliminates any shade of a doubt?
2 Likes
I also have my problems with that!
You are right, the subjunctive in general expresses doubt but
there are lists of expressions which are always used with the subjunctive (including “essere sicuro/a”)
and in these cases “the grammar tops the feeling”.
I found this helpful: https://blog.learntravelitalian.com/use-the-italian-subjunctive-mood/
According to my (limited) experiences with Italian spoken by Italians there is some leeway in using the subjunctive, so if you choose wrongly you don’t have to hang your head in shame.
3 Likes
When in doubt I tend to use the subjunctive;-) Here I think it is used as you’re expressing an opinion. Happy to hear thoughts of others.
1 Like
Il congiuntivo … Just out of interest I found this, written by Piero from Italianduo Club:
It is not used with expressions : poiché, siccome, dopo che, dato che.
It is not used with adjectives that express certainty (certo, sicuro, convinto, chiaro, evidente, ovvio…)
It is not used with declarative verbs: (affermare, confermare, dichiarare, dire, giurare, promettere, rispondere, scrivere, sostenere, spiegare)
It is not used with verbs that express perception
(accorgersi, intuire, notare, percepire, scoprire, sentire, vedere) Vi siete accorti che hanno trasferito il negozio?
Ho scoperto che hai comprato una casa in montagna!
Vedo che non hai ascoltato i miei consigli.
6 Likes