Practice Makes Perfect Spanish Verb Tenses, Second ... - Ktooba.com

Vague or indefi nite antecedent
When the object or person being referred to in the main clause is not known to actually exist (this
is referred to as an indefi nite antecedent), the subjunctive is required in the subordinate clause.
Th e diff erence between a defi nite antecedent and indefi nite antecedent can be seen in the following
sentences.
DEFINITE ANTECEDENT I have a secretary who is effi cient.
INDEFINITE ANTECEDENT I want a secretary who is effi cient.
Él quiere una esposa que gane mucho He wants a wife who earns a lot of money.
dinero.
No conozco a nadie que sepa zapatear. I don’t know anyone who knows how to
tap-dance.
Note that, with verbs of desire, the personal a is not used when the person may not exist.
EJERCICIO
20·10
Traducción
1. We’re looking for a house that has three bedrooms.
2. She wants a dog that doesn’t bark (ladrar).
3. Is there anyone here who can play the guitar?
4. I need a maid (la criada) who washes (limpiar) windows.
5. Is there anybody in the world who knows how to express (expresarse) himself clearly?
6. I’m looking for a cat that doesn’t scratch (arañar) the furniture (los muebles).
7. Where can I buy a shirt that isn’t polyester (el poliéster)?
8. There isn’t anyone here who can help you.
9. For his birthday this year he wants a parrot (el loro) that speaks three languages.
10. I want to live in a city where there isn’t any crime (el crimen).
The present subjunctive 225