Future vs. subjunctive

R Z.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Future vs. subjunctive

In this quiz question: How would you say "They are wondering what might happen during the next elections."?

Se preguntan qué ocurrirá en las próximas elecciones

Can you discuss why the subjunctive wouldn't work here? I got this right, but only because I guessed correctly at what lesson the question was testing. 

Asked 4 years ago
InmaKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hola R

With the verb "preguntarse" as in "wondering", although, at first sight you may think this is all about doubt in someone's head, we don't consider it as one verb triggering the subjunctive. It is always followed by the indicative:

Me pregunto qué hora es.

I wonder what the time is.

Me pregunto qué hora será.

I wonder what the time is.

Se preguntaba si ella iba a ir al cine.

He was wondering if she'd go [she was going]to the cinema.

Se preguntaba si ella diría que sí a su propuesta.

He was wondering if she'd say yes to his proposal.

En ese momento yo me pregunté para qué hice todo el esfuerzo.

At that moment I wondered what I made all that effort for.

There is no room for the subjunctive here.

Saludos

Inma

Michael G.B2Kwiziq community member

I'm still confused as how to know to use the future vs. subjunctive.  

Future vs. subjunctive

In this quiz question: How would you say "They are wondering what might happen during the next elections."?

Se preguntan qué ocurrirá en las próximas elecciones

Can you discuss why the subjunctive wouldn't work here? I got this right, but only because I guessed correctly at what lesson the question was testing. 

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