- Creer, pensar, opinar, parecer are used in the indicative when the opinion is certain.
- Creer, pensar, opinar, parecer are used in the subjunctive when they express doubt.
- The intensifiers absolutamente and totalmente are used to strengthen an opinion in the indicative and in the subjunctive.
| Verbos | Tiempo | Ejemplo |
| Creer, pensar, opinar, parecer | Indicativo | Creo que el fisio me ayudará a mejorar el dolor en la espalda. (I believe the physiotherapist will help me improve the back pain.) |
| Subjuntivo | No creo que el cirujano haya recibido los resultados. (I do not believe that the surgeon has received the results.) |
Exceptions!
- Creer, opinar and pensar are subjunctive when used with negation.
Exercise 1: Los verbos de opinión: creer, pensar, ...
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
sea, tenga, esté, tiene, puede, haya, hizo
1.
Opinar:
Opino que la clínica ... un ambiente muy profesional.
(I think that the clinic has a very professional atmosphere.)
2.
Pensar:
Pienso que no ... disponible el fisio hoy, ya que está muy ocupado.
(I think the physio won't be available today, as he is very busy.)
3.
Creer:
Creo que el dentista ... resolver el problema con mis dientes.
(I believe the dentist can solve the problem with my teeth.)
4.
Parecer:
Me parece que el cirujano no ... revisado todos los informes médicos.
(It seems to me that the surgeon has not reviewed all the medical reports.)
5.
Parecer:
Me parece que el especialista ... una reputación excelente en este campo.
(I think the specialist has an excellent reputation in this field.)
6.
Opinar:
Opino totalmente que el médico de guardia ... bien en enviarme a urgencias.
(I completely believe that the on-call doctor was right to send me to A&E.)
7.
Opinar:
No opino que el ginecólogo ... la mejor opción para mi tratamiento.
(I don't think the gynecologist is the best option for my treatment.)
8.
Creer:
No creo absolutamente que el médico de guardia ... la experiencia suficiente para tratar este caso.
(I absolutely do not believe that the doctor on duty has sufficient experience to handle this case.)