A STUDENT GRAMMAR OF SPANISH
Si bajamos por aqu´ı correremos el peligro de que los ni˜nos se caigan If we go down this way there’s the danger that the children will fall Lo peligroso es que se extienda la infecci´on The danger is that the infection will spread ii Note also: que yo sepa (as far as I know), que yo recuerde (as far as I remember) iii Remark
If the expressions occur after the verb the indicative is normally used: Examples ´ Vienen esta tarde, posiblemente / quiza(s) / tal vez / probablemente
1.4 After certain impersonal verbs and expressions (This often involves value judgments.) i
Examples Conviene que Ud. se lo avise It is wise/sensible you warn him about it Importa que tomen (M) / cojan el tren de las cinco It is important they catch the five o’clock train Basta que yo diga una cosa para que ella me lleve la contraria I only have to say one thing for her to say the opposite ii Other verbs functioning in a similar way:
Hace falta, es una pena, precisar iii Remarks
When the subject of the main verb is not properly defined, an infinitive may be used Examples Basta (con) meter la comida en el horno You only have to put the meal in the oven No me conviene firmar el contrato It does not suit me to sign the contract Importa inflar las ruedas It is important to pump up the tires
1.5 When ser and estar are used impersonally, and are followed by an adjective or an adverb i
Examples Es necesario/preciso que estemos listos It is important we be ready ´ que trabajes tanto It is pointless working so hard Es inutil Es rar´ısimo que llegue tan tarde It’s very rare for her/him to arrive so late Es dudoso que venga / tenga cuarenta a˜nos It’s doubtful that (s)he will come / is forty years old No esta´ bien que hagas tus deberes tan de prisa It’s not good for you to do your homework so quickly Es triste que sufra tanto It’s sad (s)he is suffering so much 136