What is the Imperfect Subjunctive?

The imperfect subjunctive (pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo) is a complex verb form in Spanish grammar, used to express hypothetical situations or actions that did not, or may not have, taken place. It is often used in conjunction with the conditional tense, and can be found in various sentence structures.

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

1. Expressing Hypothetical Situations

The imperfect subjunctive is commonly used to express hypothetical situations, especially when referring to actions in the past. These types of sentences often begin with “si” (if) and are followed by a verb in the conditional tense.

Example: Si tuviera más tiempo, aprendería otro idioma. (If I had more time, I would learn another language.)

2. Wishes or Desires

When expressing wishes or desires in the past, the imperfect subjunctive is used to show that the desired outcome is uncertain.

Example: Ojalá hubiera sabido la verdad antes. (I wish I had known the truth earlier.)

3. Expressing Doubt, Uncertainty or Disbelief

The imperfect subjunctive can also be used to convey doubt, uncertainty, or disbelief about a past event.

Example: No creo que ella lo supiera. (I don’t think she knew it.)

4. Polite Requests or Suggestions

Using the imperfect subjunctive can make requests or suggestions sound more polite and less direct.

Example: Quisiera pedirte un favor. (I would like to ask you a favor.)

How to Form the Imperfect Subjunctive

Regular Verbs

To form the imperfect subjunctive of regular verbs, follow these steps:

1. Start with the third person plural form of the preterite tense.
2. Remove the “-ron” ending.
3. Add the appropriate imperfect subjunctive endings.

Example (hablar):

• hablaron (preterite)
• hablara, hablaras, hablara, habláramos, hablarais, hablaran (imperfect subjunctive)

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs in the preterite tense will also have irregular forms in the imperfect subjunctive. Some common examples include:

• ser: fuera, fueras, fuera, fuéramos, fuerais, fueran
• ir: fuera, fueras, fuera, fuéramos, fuerais, fueran
• dar: diera, dieras, diera, diéramos, dierais, dieran

Using the Alternatives: “-ra” vs. “-se”

There are two sets of endings for the imperfect subjunctive: the “-ra” endings and the “-se” endings. Both forms are considered correct and can be used interchangeably. However, the “-ra” endings are more commonly used in everyday speech.

Example (comer):

• comiera, comieras, comiera, comiéramos, comierais, comieran
• comiese, comieses, comiese, comiésemos, comieseis, comiesen

Imperfect Subjunctive in Dependent Clauses

The imperfect subjunctive is often used in dependent clauses when the main clause has a verb in the past tense.

Example: No pensaba que llegaras tan tarde. (I didn’t think you would arrive so late.)

Conclusion

Mastering the imperfect subjunctive is an essential step in becoming fluent in Spanish. It is widely used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, doubts, and polite requests. By understanding when and how to use this verb form, you will be able to communicate more effectively and accurately in various contexts. Practice and patience are the keys to mastering this challenging aspect of Spanish grammar.