English grammar
It's clear that… / it's not clear whether…
Say what is clear and what you doubt.
From the scene I don't think he'll win
In short
It's clear that gives a fact; it's not clear whether leaves the question open. I doubt + will doubts the future.
Your turn
Which one goes with an open question?
Options: it's not clear whether Doña Elena will win · it's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena · I don't think Don Ramón will win
Show answer
an open question → it's not clear whether Doña Elena will win
How it works
It's clear that presents a fact: it's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena.
Good to know
When the answer is still open, English usually switches to whether or if: it's not clear whether Doña Elena will win.
Good to know
I doubt and I don't think are followed by an ordinary verb, often with will: I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it.
a fact it's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena
Tomás
It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena.
Está claro que la mayoría apoya a Doña Elena.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: I don't think Don Ramón will win · It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena · It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win
Show answer
Tomás
It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena.
Está claro que la mayoría apoya a Doña Elena.
an open question it's not clear whether Doña Elena will win
Nuria
It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win. Don Ramón has power and influence in the community.
No está claro que gane Doña Elena. Don Ramón tiene poder e influencia en la comunidad.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). Don Ramón has power and influence in the community.
Options: It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win · It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena · I don't think Don Ramón will win
Show answer
Nuria
It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win. Don Ramón has power and influence in the community.
No está claro que gane Doña Elena. Don Ramón tiene poder e influencia en la comunidad.
a negative opinion I don't think Don Ramón will win
strong doubt about the future I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it
Tomás
I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it. Never, not even on a minister's orders.
Órale... dudo que Don Ramón lo pague. Jamás, ni por orden del ministro.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). Never, not even on a minister's orders.
Options: It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win · I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it · It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena
Show answer
Tomás
I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it. Never, not even on a minister's orders.
Órale... dudo que Don Ramón lo pague. Jamás, ni por orden del ministro.
strong doubt about now I doubt this is democracy
Nuria
And I doubt this is democracy. Don Ramón wants to count the votes.
Y dudo que esto sea democracia. Don Ramón quiere contar los votos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank). Don Ramón wants to count the votes.
Options: I doubt this is democracy · It's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena · It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win
Show answer
Nuria
And I doubt this is democracy. Don Ramón wants to count the votes.
Y dudo que esto sea democracia. Don Ramón quiere contar los votos.
Common mistake
Not what or which here. An open question.
It's not clear whether Doña Elena will win. Don Ramón has power and influence in the community.
No está claro que gane Doña Elena. Don Ramón tiene poder e influencia en la comunidad.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| a fact | it's clear that the majority supports Doña Elena |
|---|---|
| an open question | it's not clear whether Doña Elena will win |
| a negative opinion | I don't think Don Ramón will win |
| strong doubt about the future | I doubt Don Ramón will pay for it |
| strong doubt about now | I doubt this is democracy |
More lines from the story
- JaviMy parents have gone back to Medellín. What did I miss?Mis papás ya volvieron a Medellín. ¿Qué me perdí?
- NuriaA lift. She thinks Don Ramón should pay for it.Un ascensor. En su opinión, debe pagarlo Don Ramón.