Level B1Verbs & TensesGramática 9.2 / 13.4

Subjunctive after doubt and no creer

I don't think that…

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I don't think that…

Affirmative creer que and pensar que normally use the indicative to present a belief. Dudar que and negative belief commonly use the subjunctive: No creo que venga. Context and what the speaker asserts can affect mood.

Notice the contrast:Creo que vieneNo creo que venga

Examples in context

Read the examples and compare their English meanings.

Expressing Doubt

Dudar triggers subjunctive in the clause.

Dudo que ella tenga razón.

I doubt that she is right.

Disbelief in Opinions

Negative belief flips the verb.

No creo que vengan a la fiesta.

I don't think they are coming to the party.

Denying Truth

Denial requires the subjunctive mood.

No es verdad que cueste tanto.

It is not true that it costs so much.

Common mix-ups

Compare: No creo que llueve mañana.Use here: No creo que llueva mañana.

For this statement of doubt, no creo que is followed by subjunctive llueva. Mood choices can vary when a speaker is correcting or echoing another claim.

I do not think it will rain tomorrow.

Try a reply

Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.

I doubt that the shop is open.

Show one possible answer

Dudo que la tienda esté abierta.

Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.

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