dudar
verbCEFR B1
What does “dudar” mean in English?
to doubt — inherent subjunctive trigger; dudar que + subjunctive always; no cabe duda de que + indicative
to doubt — inherent subjunctive trigger; dudar que + subjunctive always; no cabe duda de que + indicative (doubt eliminated)
Example sentences
Dudo que podamos terminar el proyecto a tiempo si seguimos teniendo estos problemas técnicos tan frecuentes.
I doubt we can finish the project on time if we keep having these frequent technical problems.
Muchos expertos dudan de que las medidas adoptadas sean suficientes para frenar el avance de la situación.
Many experts doubt that the measures adopted are sufficient to slow the progress of the situation.
No cabe duda de que la situación ha mejorado notablemente en los últimos meses, aunque todavía hay mucho por hacer.
There is no doubt that the situation has improved significantly in recent months, although there is still much to be done.
How to use it
Dudar means 'to doubt' and is an inherent subjunctive trigger — dudar que requires subjunctive regardless of whether dudar itself is positive or negative: Dudo que llegue a tiempo / No dudo que sea inteligente (still subjunctive). Contrast: dudar de algo / alguien (to be uncertain about something/someone) takes no embedded clause — just a noun. Note also the fixed phrase: no cabe duda de que + indicative (there is no doubt that — factual assertion, takes indicative because the doubt is being negated entirely).
Common mistake
The critical distinction: dudar que always takes subjunctive (doubt is the trigger itself), but no cabe duda de que takes indicative (the doubt has been eliminated). English 'I doubt (that) he is right' uses indicative after 'doubt' — in Spanish the subjunctive is grammatically obligatory: 'Dudo que tenga razón'. Do not skip the que between dudar and the embedded clause when there is a second subject.