Understanding why it is subjunctive?

Stuart M.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Understanding why it is subjunctive?

Hola,

Trying to understand why this isn't an indicative? Seems more of a statement of fact? (appreciate that I guess that this is pointing to future occasions they will wake the dog - seems a very grey area!) 

It is odd that the children wake up the dog so early.

Es extraño que los niños despierten al perro tan temprano.

Gracias,

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Stuart,

in this case it is not a question of expressing a future event or not. It is to do with impersonal expressions using the verb "ser" + "adjective" + que... This is always followed by the subjunctive, unless the main clause with ser is expressing a clear "certainty" like "Es verdad que..." or "Es cierto que..." (here you need the indicative.

Here is a lesson on this precise content. Have a look.

I hope it helps.

Inma

Understanding why it is subjunctive?

Hola,

Trying to understand why this isn't an indicative? Seems more of a statement of fact? (appreciate that I guess that this is pointing to future occasions they will wake the dog - seems a very grey area!) 

It is odd that the children wake up the dog so early.

Es extraño que los niños despierten al perro tan temprano.

Gracias,

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