The Unknown We also use the subjunctive for the NONEXISTENT

You've already learned that you use the subjunctive (those dang opposite endings) with hopes and wishes...
I hope that you do well.
Now you're going to use the subjunctive with...
The Unknown
(cue scary music)
For instance, when someone is looking for someone or something with certain qualities, without having
anyone or anything particular in mind. In these instances the antecedent (2nd part of the sentence) is in the
subjunctive.
I want a boyfriend that makes a lot of money.
Quiero un novio que gane mucho dinero.
I'm looking for a boyfriend that is open and honest.
Busco un novio que sea abierto y honesto.
Do you know someone that is smart and funny?
¿Conoces a alguien que sea inteligente y comico?
In all these instances the person that fits these characteristics is UNKNOWN. Compare them to the
following, in which these people are KNOWN.
I have a boyfriend that makes a lot of money. (“I have” implies that this person is known)
Tengo un novio que gana mucho dinero.
I have a boyfriend that is open and honest.
Tengo un novio que es abierto y honesto.
I know someone that is smart and funny.
Conozco a alguien que es inteligente y comico.
We also use the subjunctive for the NONEXISTENT
There is nobody that trusts Marcos. (The person that trusts Marcos apparently doesn’t exist-he’s that bad of a
person)
No hay nadie que confíe en Marcos.
(Look, I get it. We’re being dramatic and somebody probably trusts Marcos, but because we said that NOBODY
trusts Marcos, we need the subjunctive.)
There is nothing that bothers me more than a rude guy.
No hay nada que me moleste mas que un chico grosero.
No hay nadie que... = There is nobody / no one that...
No hay nada que... = There is nothing that...
Overall it's all about doubt of existence or if we just say it doesn’t exist.
AL OTRO LADO ►►►►►►
Mark S (subjunctive) or I (indicative) next to the following sentences.
(does this person / thing exist? Is it known?)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
I need a friend that is reliable. _____
We have a friend that is always late. _____
Myra is looking for a car that runs. _____
I’m searching for a toaster that is red. _____
Do you know someone that is fluent in Italian? _____
I know someone with 25 cats. _____
There is nobody smarter than you. _____
There is nothing more annoying that a “sabelotodo”. _____
There is a car that is red next to my house. _____
Try the following (in order)
A p. 23
B p. 23
C. p. 24
D. p. 24
Act. 25 p. 25
Act 33 p. 72