Question 1

Since this lesson is about the subjunctive and doubt, why is ves in the present indicative here?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, a si (if) clause that talks about a possible or real event always uses the indicative mood. Even if you highly doubt you will actually see the monster, you never use the present subjunctive directly after si.

Question 2

Why do we use al before monstruo? Is a monster considered a person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in a grammatical sense! This is the personal a (a + el = al). Even though a monster isn't human, specific animals, pets, or personified creatures get the personal a when they are the direct object of a sentence.

Question 3

Could I use probar instead of comprobar to mean prove?

Accepted Answer

You could, but comprobar is a much better fit for this context. While probar can mean to prove, it also heavily means to test, try on, or taste. Comprobar specifically means to verify, confirm, or check a fact—which is exactly what you do with a rumor.

Question 4

Could I use the future tense podrás instead of the present tense puedes here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Using the present tense puedes makes the sentence sound like a general rule or immediate reality (If X happens, Y is possible). Using the future tense podrás (you will be able to) is also very common in these types of si clauses and simply shifts the focus to a future result.

Si ves al monstruo, puedes comprobar el rumor.

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