Subjuntivo pretérito imperfecto

The subjuntivo pretérito imperfecto is used within subordinate clauses.
The introductory main clause is in the condicional or in one of the past tenses and the subordinate clause expresses simultaneity or posteriority.


Building the subjuntivo pretérito imperfecto

 
General rule:
3rd pers pl in indefinido; substitute -ron with -ra/-se
+
endings -, s, -, mos, is, n
 

With the following table you will learn the pattern in no time:

Forms of Spanish subjuntivo pretérito imperfecto
a-conjugation
e-conjugation
i-conjugation
infinitive form
viajar
comer
abrir
1stpers. sing.
viajara /viajase
comiera /comiese
abriera /abriese
2ndpers. sing.
viajaras /viajases
comieras /comieses
abrieras /abrieses
3rdpers. sing.
viajara /viajase
comiera /comiese
abriera /abriese
1stpers. pl.
viajáramos /viajásemos
comiéramos /comiésemos
abriéramos /abriésemos
2ndpers. pl.
viajarais /viajaseis
comierais /comieseis
abrierais /abrieseis
3rdpers. pl.
viajaran /viajasen
comieran /comiesen
abrieran/ abriesen
 
💡 For example:
abriera – he opened
Temería que mi hijo no tuviese bastante tiempo para los deberes. – I would be afraid that my son wouldn’t have enough time for his homework.
 
Please remember:
The basis for building this verbal time is irregular because the 3rd person plural in the indefinido is an irregular form.
So this continues too when building this tense.

 

 

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