Expressing an opinion: indicative or subjunctive?
The verbs creer que (to believe that), pensar que (to think that), estar seguro de que (to be sure that), estar convencido de que (to be convinced that) etc. are used to express opinions.
Creo que Fernando es muy simpático ser, presente
I think that Fernando is very nice
No creo que Fernando sea muy simpático ser, subj. presente
I don't think that Fernando is very nice
When the verb of opinion is in the affirmative, it is always followed by the indicative (i.e. not in the subjunctive).
Ana cree que el doctor Macías está loco estar, presente
Ana thinks that Doctor Macías is crazy
Pienso que va a llover ir, presente
I think it is going to rain
¿Estás convencido de que puedes correr tan rápido? poder, presente
Are you convinced that you can run that fast?
When the verb of opinion is in the negative, it is always followed by the subjunctive.
Ana no cree que el doctor Macías esté loco estar, subj. presente
Ana doesn't think that Doctor Macías is crazy
No pienso que vaya a llover ir, subj. presente
I don't think it is going to rain
¿No estás convencido de que puedas correr tan rápido? poder, subj. presente
Are you not convinced that you can run that fast?
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