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Learn how to form oraciones subordinadas sustantivas using infinitive forms like "reducir" and flexionadas with "que" plus subjunctive, such as "que gastemos," highlighting subject agreement differences.
  1. We use the infinitive in the subordinate clause when the subject is the same as in the main clause.
  2. We use "que" + subjuntivo when the subject of the subordinate clause is different from that of the main clause.
TipoUsoEjemplo
Oraciones de infinitivoMismo sujeto en oración principal y subordinada Decidimos reducir el presupuesto mensualmente para ahorrar más dinero. (We decided to reduce the budget monthly to save more money.)
Oraciones flexionadas Diferentes sujetos en oración principal y subordinadaEl banco exige que gastemos menos para recibir la hipoteca. (The bank demands that we spend less to receive the mortgage.)

Exercise 1: Oraciones subordinadas sustantivas: de infinitivo y flexionadas

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

revisar, reunir, revise, invertir, calculéis, gastar, reduzcan

1. Calcular:
Es fundamental para vosotros que ... los intereses del préstamo antes de aceptar la oferta.
(It is essential for you to calculate the loan interest before accepting the offer.)
2. Revisar:
Es importante ... el presupuesto mensualmente para evitar gastos innecesarios.
(It is important to review the budget monthly to avoid unnecessary expenses.)
3. Invertir:
El gerente propone ... en nuevos intereses para aumentar las ganancias anualmente.
(The manager proposes investing in new interests to increase profits annually.)
4. Gastar:
Los clientes prefieren ... el dinero del cheque en vez de transferirlo a la cuenta.
(Customers prefer to spend the money from the cheque rather than transfer it to the account.)
5. Reducir:
El director exige que se ... los gastos mensualmente.
(The director demands that expenses be reduced monthly.)
6. Reunir:
Mi objetivo es ... el presupuesto necesario para pagar la hipoteca antes de la fecha límite.
(My goal is to gather the necessary budget to pay off the mortgage before the deadline.)
7. Revisar:
El banco me sugiere que ... la cuenta antes de autorizar el préstamo.
(The bank suggests that I check the account before authorising the loan.)
8. Invertir:
Queremos ... el dinero de la cuenta en un fondo con intereses más altos.
(We want to invest the money from the account in a fund with higher interest rates.)

Understanding Noun Clauses with Infinitive and Conjugated Verbs

This lesson explores noun subordinate clauses in Spanish, focusing on two main types: those that use the infinitive and those with conjugated verbs (flexionadas). These structures allow you to express complex thoughts clearly and are essential for intermediate learners (B1 level).

1. Infinitive Noun Clauses

Use the infinitive form in the subordinate clause when the subject of both the main and subordinate clauses is the same. This simplifies sentence construction by avoiding repeated subjects.

  • Example: Decidimos reducir el presupuesto mensualmente para ahorrar más dinero.

Important words in this context include decidir (to decide), reducir (to reduce), and ahorrar (to save). These verbs facilitate actions where the subject carries out both the main and subordinate actions.

2. Conjugated (Flexionadas) Noun Clauses

When the subject of the subordinate clause differs from the main clause, use the conjunction que followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. This structure reflects wishes, demands, or requirements referring to another person or entity.

  • Example: El banco exige que gastemos menos para recibir la hipoteca.

Key expressions here involve exigir (to demand) and verbs in the subjunctive like gastemos (we spend), showing obligation or necessity directed at a different subject.

Summary of Main Points

  • Same Subject: Use infinitive verb form in the subordinate clause.
  • Different Subject: Use que + subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
  • Common verbs: decidir, exigir, as verbs that introduce these noun clauses.

Important Note on Language Differences

In English, noun clauses usually require a finite verb and a conjunction (e.g., "that"), regardless of whether subjects are the same. Spanish offers the option to use the infinitive when the subject remains constant, which makes sentences more concise. For example, "We decided to reduce" versus "Decidimos reducir." This distinction helps streamline sentences in Spanish but isn’t mirrored in English grammar.

Useful phrases: decidir (to decide), exigir (to demand), que (that), and the use of subjunctive in commands or wishes directed at others.

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