Breakdown of Dubito che il repellente non funzioni.
non
not
che
that (conjunction introducing a clause)
funzionare
to work / to function (machines, devices)
dubitare
to doubt
il repellente
the repellent
Questions & Answers about Dubito che il repellente non funzioni.
Why is there a non in this sentence if the English translation says "works" and not "doesn't work"?
This is a classic example of the pleonastic non. After verbs of doubting like dubitare, Italian sometimes inserts a non in the dependent clause that doesn't actually negate the verb. It just reinforces the underlying feeling of doubt or fear. So, Dubito che il repellente non funzioni simply translates to "I doubt that the repellent works."
Is it mandatory to include the non after dubitare?
How can I tell if non is pleonastic or a real negative? Could this sentence also mean "I doubt it doesn't work"?
Yes, without context, it could technically mean "I doubt it doesn't work" (implying that you think it actually does work). You have to rely on the situation. If you are covered in mosquito bites, the non is clearly pleonastic. If someone tells you the spray is expired but you trust the brand, it might be a true negative. Context is everything!
Why does the sentence use funzioni instead of funziona?
The main verb dubitare (to doubt) expresses uncertainty and subjectivity. In Italian, this triggers the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause (the part after che). Therefore, we use the present subjunctive funzioni instead of the present indicative funziona.
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