sense que + Subjunctive

Subjunctive After Sense Que

Level 6

Sense que introduces an absent circumstance with subjunctive.

How It Works

Va marxar sense que ningú ho notés describes a departure while explicitly excluding anyone noticing it. The subjunctive marks that excluded circumstance; its imperfect tense fits the past main event. Present-frame sense que ningú ho noti uses present subjunctive.

When the main actor also performs the omitted action, sense plus infinitive is often concise: va marxar sense dir res. A finite que clause is useful when the actors differ or a separate subject is needed.

Do not interpret sense que as a factual negative statement requiring indicative. Negative words such as ningú occur naturally in this environment without forcing an additional preverbal no in the neutral examples. Keep the meaning absent rather than accidentally producing a double reversal.

Examples (3)

  1. Va marxar sense que ningú ho notés.

    She left without anyone noticing.

  2. Ho van aprovar sense que hi hagués debat.

    They approved it without there being any debate.

  3. Entra sense que el vegin.

    He enters without being seen.

How It Connects

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sense que + SubjunctiveLevel 6Subjunctive After Sense Que

Learn This First

Choose subordinate tense from its relationship to the main-clause viewpoint. Interpret negative words within their grammatical environment.

Words in This Pattern