Question 1

Since "maybe" expresses doubt, why is necesitamos in the indicative rather than the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

This is the golden rule of a lo mejor: even though it means "maybe" or "probably," it always triggers the indicative mood. Unlike tal vez or quizás, which can take the subjunctive to show more doubt, a lo mejor strictly uses the indicative. That is why we see necesitamos here instead of necesitemos.

Question 2

Is volver a intentar the only way to say "try again" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! You could also say intentar de nuevo or intentar otra vez. However, the formula volver a + [infinitive] is incredibly common in Spanish for repeating an action, so it is a very natural structure to use here.

Question 3

Why use sentido here instead of dirección for "direction"?

Accepted Answer

While both translate to "direction," they have slightly different uses. In contexts like rotation, traffic, or movement along a path, sentido refers to the specific "way" you are moving (like clockwise vs. counter-clockwise, or a one-way street). Dirección is more about the general physical line or spatial orientation.

Question 4

Why is there no preposition like a or de between necesitamos and volver?

Accepted Answer

The verb necesitar attaches directly to an infinitive when the same subject is doing both actions (we need to do it). You only need a connecting word like que if the subject changes, for example: necesitamos que vuelvan a intentar (we need them to try again).

A lo mejor necesitamos volver a intentar la rotación en sentido inverso.

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