Question 1

I expected to see che after temo. Why is it missing?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, the conjunction che (that) can optionally be dropped before a subordinate clause when that clause uses the subjunctive. This is very common after verbs of hoping, fearing, or believing, like temo. You can still perfectly well say Temo che la probabilità sia bassa, but dropping che is a valid stylistic choice.

Question 2

Since che is missing, how do we know to use the subjunctive sia instead of the indicative è?

Accepted Answer

The trigger for the subjunctive is the main verb temere (to fear), not the word che. Because you are expressing an emotion or fear about a second action, the dependent clause must use the subjunctive. The implied, invisible che still acts as the grammatical bridge between temo and sia.

Question 3

Is it more common in spoken or written Italian to drop che like this?

Accepted Answer

Dropping che elevates the register slightly, making the sentence sound a bit more elegant and fluid. Because of this, you will often encounter it in writing, journalism, and formal speech. In casual everyday conversation, Italians are more likely to just include it and say Temo che la probabilità sia bassa.

Question 4

Could I use ho paura instead of temo in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ho paura che la probabilità sia bassa means exactly the same thing and is very common in spoken Italian. However, if you use the phrase avere paura, you generally must keep the che. The optional omission of che really only sounds natural with single-word verbs like temere, credere, pensare, and sperare.

Temo la probabilità sia bassa.

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