Spanish grammar: oraciones subordinadas sustantivas

What this grammar point covers

Noun subordinate clauses ('oraciones subordinadas sustantivas') in Spanish are clauses that work like a noun in a sentence. They can be the subject, object, or complement of the main verb.

When to use it

Use noun subordinate clauses in Spanish when you want to express wishes, needs, opinions, doubts, or information. They often answer 'what?' or 'who?' after the verb.

Key forms

• que + verbo (Ejemplo: Quiero que vengas.)
• si + verbo (Ejemplo: No sé si vendrá.)
• infinitivo (Ejemplo: Me gusta comer.)

Examples

Tips

• After verbs expressing wishes, emotions, or doubts, use 'que' and often the subjunctive mood.
• If the subject of both verbs is the same, use the infinitive (Ejemplo: Quiero comer).
• Don't forget to use 'si' (if) when expressing doubt or indirect questions.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes, the subordinate clause can be replaced by an infinitive if the subject does not change.