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  The SUBJUNCTIVE-INDICATIVE IN ADJECTIVE CLAUSES  
 
  • An [adjective clause]1 is a subordinate clause that functions as an adjective2, modifying a noun3 (its antecedent); it is most often headed by que, but sometimes by donde or other relative pronoun.
    • Tenemos un empleado3 perezoso2.→Tenemos un empleado [que no trabaja]1.
      • We have a lazy employee.→We have an employee that doesn't work.
    • The subordinate verb will be conjugated in the indicative or the subjunctive, depending on speaker's knowledge of or experience with the antecedent. Clues to this can be found in the main clause. See rules and examples below.
 
  THE INDICATIVE IN ADJECTIVE CLAUSES  
 
  • The indicative is used in an adjective clause if the clause refers to an antecedent* that is identified or within speaker's experience:
    1. Hay un restaurante* que sirve platos mexicanos. There's a restaurant that serves Mexican dishes.
    2. Sólo leo revistas que me interesan. I only read magazines that interest me.
    3. Conozco a alguien que vive en San Diego.
    4. Existe una teoría que explica todo eso. A theory exists that explains all that.
    5. Voy a una tienda* donde saben mucho de esas cosas. I'm going to a store where they know a lot about those things.
    6. Siempre pido el plato que me parece más sabroso. I always order the dish that looks most tasty to me.
 
  THE SUBJUNCTIVE IN ADJECTIVE CLAUSES  
 
  • The subjunctive is used in an adjective clause if the clause refers to an antecedent* that is unidentified, outside one's experience, or is said to be non-existent:
    1. No hay ningún restaurante que sirva platos mexicanos. There's no restaurant that serves Mexican dishes.
    2. Lee cualquier revista que te interese. Read whatever magazine interests you.
    3. ¿Conoces a alguien que viva en San Diego? Do you know anyone who lives in San Diego?
    4. No existe ninguna teoría que explique eso. There is no theory that explains that.
    5. Busco una tienda donde sepan mucho de esas cosas. I'm looking for a store where they know a lot about those things.
    6. Voy a pedir cualquier plato que me parezca más sabroso. I'm going to order the dish that looks most tasty to me.
  
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