28.1 Introducing the Imperfect Subjunctive
I have fantastic news for you: the imperfect subjunctive is just the past tense version of the subjunctive mood, and it builds directly upon what we've already learned. This makes it much easier to grasp.
Primarily, the imperfect subjunctive occurs in similar contexts as the present subjunctive, but it follows a verb in the preterite or imperfect tense, or it refers to a past action in the second part of the sentence. Let's compare some examples to see this in action:
Let's define this tense more thoroughly:
The Imperfect Subjunctive
The imperfect subjunctive is used to express doubt, influence, or emotion about past actions or hypothetical past scenarios.
28.2 Formation of the Imperfect Subjunctive
Start with the 3rd-person, plural (ellos/ellas) form of the preterite. Then take off the -RON:
There are two sets of possible endings for the imperfect subjunctive forms. They're essentially equivalent*, so don't be shaken. The VerbMaster practice will only work with the first set, the -RA endings, but we've included both sets here so you can be aware.
Regular Imperfect Subjunctive Endings (More Common)
| Pronouns | -AR verb endings | -ER verb endings | -IR verb endings |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | -ra | -ra | -ra |
| tú | -ras | -ras | -ras |
| él/ella/Ud. | -ra | -ra | -ra |
| nosotros/as | -ramos | -ramos | -ramos |
| vosotros/as | -rais | -rais | -rais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | -ran | -ran | -ran |
Regular Imperfect Subjunctive Endings (Alternative)
| Pronouns | -AR verb endings | -ER verb endings | -IR verb endings |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | -se | -se | -se |
| tú | -ses | -ses | -ses |
| él/ella/Ud. | -se | -se | -se |
| nosotros/as | -semos | -semos | -semos |
| vosotros/as | -seis | -seis | -seis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | -sen | -sen | -sen |
The -RA endings are much more widely used. Some sources only teach those. The -SE endings are still used in Spain but much less in the Americas. It's good to be familiar with both if your plans involve advanced reading, official documents, or travel to Spain.
Attach the ending to the stem. Note that the vowel before the nosotros ending gets a written accent.
Provided you know your preterite tense backwards, forwards, and inside out, there are no irregular formations.
28.3 Using the Imperfect Subjunctive
Below are some examples of how you can use the imperfect subjunctive in the real world:
Me sorprendió que hablaras con fantasmas.
I was amazed that you would speak with ghosts.
No me sentiría bien si comiera ese puercoespín.
I would not feel well if I ate that porcupine.
Estoy triste de que vivieras en este búnker durante tanto tiempo.
I am sad that you lived in this bunker for so long.
Practice Time!
Master these verb conjugations from Lesson 28