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60. Imperfect subjunctive formation (English)

This lesson includes information on:

1. Imperfect Subjunctive Tense Formation of Regular Verbs
2. Related Vocabulary

1. Imperfect Subjunctive Tense Formation of Regular Verbs

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense is used to express:

· Uncertainty. For example, Dudé que regresaran esta noche. (I doubted they would return tonight.)

· Feelings. For example, Se alegraba que viniera su amiga. (She was happy that her friend is coming.)

· Desires. For example, Querría que tuvieras un buen viaje. (I would want you to have a good trip.)

In Spanish as in English we have the subjunctive tense. The subjunctive is formed with two clauses:

· the main clause;

· the dependent clause

Generally these clauses are united with the conjunction que. For example, Esperó que hablaras español. (She hoped that you speak Spanish.)

The two subjects of the same sentence should be different.

· The main clause should be conjugated in the imperfect indicative, the preterit or the conditional forms.

· The dependent clause should be conjugated in the subjunctive form: imperfect subjunctive.

In order to form the imperfect subjunctive, take the third person plural of the preterit indicative tense and change the –ron ending for –ra, -ras, -ra, -ramos, -ran. For example, bebiera, bebieras.

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an "ar" ending. These same endings are used for all "regular verbs" that end in "ar",

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an "er" ending. These same endings are used for all "regular verbs" that end in "er",

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an "ir" ending. These same endings are used for all "regular verbs" that end in "ir",

2. Related Vocabulary