The subjunctive is normally used with negated expressions of thinking or saying:
No recuerdo que él estuviera aquí. (see 45.1)
I don’t remember his being here.No estoy seguro de que sea así. (see 49.1)
I’m not sure it’s like that.
No me parecía que pudiera resolverse. (see 55.2)
I didn’t think it could be solved.No creo que sea importante. (see 55.2)
I don’t think it’s important.
No pensaba que fuera tan impulsivo. (see 55.2)
I didn’t think he was so impulsive.¡Es increíble que se haya comportado de esa manera! (see 59 )
It’s incredible that he/she has behaved like that!
¡Parece mentira que haya ganado la lotería! (see 59 )
It hardly seems possible that he/she has won the lottery!Compare also:
No porque sea barato lo voy a comprar. (see 32 )
The fact that it is cheap doesn’t mean I’m going to buy it.NOTE Thepolite negation of a question (15.6) does not trigger the use of the subjunctive with
such verbs:
¿No le parece a usted que es mejor aplazarlo? (see 56.3)
Don’t you think it’s better to postpone it?^55 (p. 319);^49 (p. 291);^56 (p. 327)
18.1.6 Expressions of possibility, impossibility, probability and improbability
Es posible que no haya entendido.
It’s possible he/she hasn’t understood.Era probable que no tuvieran una mayoría absoluta.
It was probable that they would not have an absolute majority.
¡No puede ser que haya dicho eso! (see 59 )
I can’t believe that he/she has said that!18.3.3 (p. 92);^48 (p. 282)
18.2 The subjunctive after conjunctions
18.2.1 Expressing purpose
43.5 (p. 258)
USE OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE 18.2