6B – El subjuntivo con expresiones impersonales The subjunctive with impersonal expressions

Impersonal expressiones are followed by que and then the subjunctive. Remember, these must express doubt or opinion and the subjunctive verb has its own subject.

+ Subjunctive verb Es posible que – it is possible that Es imposible que – it is impossible that Es difícil que – it is difficult that Es fácil que – it is easy that Es necesario que – it is necessary that Es preciso que – it is necessary that Es mejor que – it is better that Más vale que – it is better that Es importante que – it is important that Es dudoso que – it is doubtful that Es una lástima que – it is a pity that Conviene que – it is fitting that Es urgente que – it is urgent que Es probable que – it is probable that + Subjunctive verb

Ejemplos: Es difícil que pase el curso. It is difficult for me to pass the class. Es importante que leas la lectura. It is important that you read the reading. Más vale que venga tarde que nunca. It is better that he come late than never.

But, use an infinitive without que to express: Es difícil pasar el curso. It is difficult to pass the class. Es importante leer la lectura. It is important to read the reading. Más vale venir tarde que nunca. It is better to come late than never.

These negative impersonal expressions will be followed by the subjunctive. No es claro que – it is not clear that No es seguro que – it is not sure that No es obvio que – it is not obvious that No es verdad que – it is not true that

When the previous verbs are used in the affirmative, the indicative must be used since there is no doubt expressed. Subjunctive – No es evidente que tengas dinero. Indicativo – Es evidente que tienes dinero. Subjunctive – No es claro que comprendas. Indicativo – Es claro que comprendes. Subjunctive – No es seguro que salga mañana. Indicativo – Es seguro que sale mañana.