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Difficulty: EasySubjunctive vs. Indicative Mood in Complex Sentences

A student is writing an argumentative essay in Spanish and wants to express doubt about a proposed solution. They write the following sentence:

"Dudo que esta nueva política ____________ (resolver) el problema a largo plazo."

Which of the following verb forms correctly fills in the blank?

  1. resuelvaAnswer
  2. B
    resuelve
  3. C
    resolverá
  4. D
    resolvió

Answer

The correct verb form is the present subjunctive, 'resuelva'.
The sentence begins with 'Dudo que' (I doubt that), which is a clear expression of doubt. In Spanish complex sentences, expressing doubt in the main clause triggers the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause. Therefore, the present subjunctive form 'resuelva' is required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main clause and its meaning.
The main clause is 'Dudo que' (I doubt that).
The main clause determines whether the subordinate clause needs the indicative or subjunctive mood.
2
Determine the mood required by the main clause.
The subjunctive mood is required.
Expressions of doubt, such as 'dudar que', trigger the subjunctive mood in the following subordinate clause.
3
Conjugate the verb 'resolver' in the present subjunctive for the subject 'esta nueva política' (it/ella).
The correct conjugation is 'resuelva'.
To form the present subjunctive of 'resolver', take the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('resuelvo'), drop the 'o', and add the appropriate opposite ending for an -er verb in the third-person singular ('-a').

Key Concept

Using the subjunctive mood after expressions of doubt (dudar que).

Hints

1
Look closely at the expression 'Dudo que'. Does this express certainty or uncertainty?
2
Expressions of doubt and uncertainty require the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause.
3
Find the option that is conjugated in the present subjunctive form for an '-er' stem-changing verb (o to ue).

Practice More

Practice conjugating other stem-changing verbs in the present subjunctive mood.
Estimated Time:30s
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Topics

Subjunctive vs. Indicative Mood in Complex Sentences

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