Learn how to express agreement and disagreement in Spanish using key phrases like "Creo que" (I believe that) with the indicative, and "No creo que" (I don't believe that) with the subjunctive, to clearly communicate certainty or doubt.
  1. Creo que + indicative to show agreement or certainty.
  2. No creo que + subjunctive** to show disagreement or doubt.
  3. Positive opinion = indicative; Negative opinion = subjunctive
Expresión (Expression)Uso (Usage)Ejemplo (Example)
Creo que + indicativo (I believe that + indicative)Certeza  (Certainty)Creo que es urgente.
No creo que + subjuntivo (I don't believe that + subjunctive)Duda o negación (Doubt or denial)No creo que sea urgente.
Está claro que + indicativo (It is clear that + indicative)Hecho evidente  (Evident fact)Está claro que tenemos tiempo.
No está claro que + subjuntivo (It is not clear that + subjunctive)Falta de claridad  (Lack of clarity)No está claro que tengamos tiempo.
Es verdad que + indicativo (It is true that + indicative)Afirmación verdadera  (True statement)Es verdad que organizan bien.
No es verdad que + subjuntivo (It is not true that + subjunctive)Negación de verdad  (Denial of truth)No es verdad que organicen bien.
Estoy seguro de que + indicativo (I am sure that + indicative)Seguridad (Certainty)Estoy seguro de que completas la tarea.
No estoy seguro de que + subjuntivo (I'm not sure that + subjunctive)Inseguridad  (Insecurity)No estoy seguro de que completes la tarea.

Exercise 1: Expresar acuerdo y desacuerdo

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

No estoy seguro de que, Estoy seguro de que, Es verdad que, No es verdad que, Está claro que, No creo que, No está claro que

1. Seguridad:
... completas el formulario sin problemas.
(I am sure that you complete the form without any problems.)
2. Afirmación verdadera:
... ellos trabajan en equipo.
(It is true that they work as a team.)
3. Inseguridad / Subjuntivo:
... cambies de opinión fácilmente.
(I am not sure that you will change your mind easily.)
4. Duda / Subjuntivo:
... la responsabilidad sea suya.
(I don't think the responsibility is yours.)
5. Duda / Subjuntivo:
... él organice bien el proyecto.
(I don’t think he organises the project well.)
6. Hecho evidente:
... la tarea es urgente.
(It is clear that the task is urgent.)
7. Falta de claridad:
... completemos todas las tareas hoy.
(It is not clear that we will complete all the tasks today.)
8. Negación de verdad:
... cambien de líder cada semana.
(It is not true that they change leader every week.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence for each situation, paying attention to the use of indicative and subjunctive with expressions of agreement and disagreement, and the vocabulary of organization and delegation.

1.
Incorrect to use subjunctive after 'I think'; indicative must be used.
After 'I don't think' subjunctive is used, not indicative.
2.
Error: with 'I think' indicative is used, not subjunctive.
Error: after 'I don't think' subjunctive ('is') must be used, not indicative ('is').
3.
Error: after 'It is not true that' subjunctive ('is') is used, not indicative.
Incorrect combination if the task really is pending, as it contradicts the negation.
4.
After 'I am not sure that' subjunctive ('delegate') corresponds, not indicative.
Error: after 'I am sure that' indicative is used, not subjunctive.

Expressing Agreement and Disagreement in Spanish

This lesson is designed for A2 level learners to understand and practice how to express agreement and disagreement in Spanish using specific expressions and verb moods. You will learn the difference between using the indicative and the subjunctive moods with common phrases, helping you communicate your certainty or doubt clearly and naturally.

Key Expressions and Their Use

In Spanish, expressing agreement or disagreement often involves certain fixed phrases followed by verbs in either the indicative or subjunctive mood. Here are some important expressions you will explore in this lesson:

  • Creo que + indicative: Used to show certainty or agreement. Example: Creo que es urgente.
  • No creo que + subjunctive: Used to express doubt or disagreement. Example: No creo que sea urgente.
  • Está claro que + indicative: Indicates an obvious fact. Example: Está claro que tenemos tiempo.
  • No está claro que + subjunctive: Shows lack of clarity or uncertainty. Example: No está claro que tengamos tiempo.
  • Es verdad que + indicative: States a true fact. Example: Es verdad que organizan bien.
  • No es verdad que + subjunctive: Denies a fact. Example: No es verdad que organicen bien.
  • Estoy seguro de que + indicative: Shows confidence. Example: Estoy seguro de que completas la tarea.
  • No estoy seguro de que + subjunctive: Expresses uncertainty. Example: No estoy seguro de que completes la tarea.

Important Grammar Tip

Notice the mood shift: positive opinions or statements use the indicative mood, while negative opinions or doubts trigger the subjunctive mood. For example:

  • Creo que es (indicative – agreement)
  • No creo que sea (subjunctive – disagreement)

Comparing Spanish and English

Unlike English, which often uses modal verbs or simple negation without changing verb forms, Spanish uses different verb moods to express certainty versus doubt. For example, English speakers say "I think it is" or "I don't think it is" without changing the verb form. In Spanish, "Creo que es" uses the indicative, while "No creo que sea" uses the subjunctive verb sea to reflect uncertainty.

Useful phrases to remember:

  • Creo que – I believe/think (certainty)
  • No creo que – I don't think (doubt)
  • Está claro que – It's clear that
  • No está claro que – It's not clear that
  • Es verdad que – It is true that
  • No es verdad que – It is not true that
  • Estoy seguro de que – I am sure that
  • No estoy seguro de que – I am not sure that

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage