Introduction to the Imperfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A2 Grammar Guide

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Key Takeaways

• Understand when to use the imperfect subjunctive in Spanish
• Master the conjugation rules for regular and irregular verbs
• Learn the two common endings (-ra and -se) and when to use them
• Practice using imperfect subjunctive in “if” clauses and past contexts
• Recognize common triggers that require the imperfect subjunctive

Talk About Hypotheticals and Past Desires

The imperfect subjunctive is your key to discussing hypothetical situations, past wishes, and polite requests in formal contexts. While it might seem advanced, it’s actually quite logical once you understand the patterns. Think of it as the past version of the present subjunctive – it’s used in the same types of situations, but when the main verb is in the past.

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive (Cuándo Usarlo)

Use the imperfect subjunctive for:

• ✅ Hypothetical “If” Clauses: “If I were rich…”
• ✅ Past Wishes and Desires: “I wished you were here.”
• ✅ Polite Requests: “I wanted to ask if you could…”
• ✅ After Past WEIRDO Verbs: When the main verb is in past tense

Forming the Imperfect Subjunctive (Cómo Formarlo)

Step 1: Start with the ellos/ellas form of the preterite
Step 2: Remove the -ron ending
Step 3: Add the appropriate imperfect subjunctive ending

Regular Verb Endings

Subject	-AR Verbs (Hablar)	-ER Verbs (Comer)	-IR Verbs (Vivir)
Yo	hablara / hablase	comiera / comiese	viviera / viviese
Tú	hablaras / hablases	comieras / comieses	vivieras / vivieses
Él/Ella/Usted	hablara / hablase	comiera / comiese	viviera / viviese
Nosotros/Nosotras	habláramos / hablásemos	comiéramos / comiésemos	viviéramos / viviésemos
Vosotros/Vosotras	hablarais / hablaseis	comierais / comieseis	vivierais / vivieseis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	hablaran / hablasen	comieran / comiesen	vivieran / viviesen

💡 Grammar Tip: The -ra endings are more common in everyday speech, while -se endings are used more in formal writing. Both are correct – choose one and be consistent!

Irregular Verbs in Imperfect Subjunctive

Table: Common Irregular Stems – Same as Preterite Irregulars

Infinitive	Preterite (Ellos)	Imperfect Subjunctive Stem	Example (Yo)
Ir	fueron	fue-	fuera / fuese
Ser	fueron	fue-	fuera / fuese
Tener	tuvieron	tuvie-	tuviera / tuviese
Estar	estuvieron	estuvie-	estuviera / estuviese
Hacer	hicieron	hicie-	hiciera / hiciese
Decir	dijeron	dije-	dijera / dijese
Venir	vinieron	vinie-	viniera / viniese

🔍 Grammar Focus: The imperfect subjunctive uses the same irregular stems as the preterite tense. If you know the preterite “ellos” form, you can form the imperfect subjunctive!

Common Triggers and Structures

After Past WEIRDO Verbs:

• “Quería que vinieras.” (I wanted you to come.)
• “Era importante que estudiáramos.” (It was important that we study.)
• “Dudaba que supiera la verdad.” (I doubted he knew the truth.)

In “If” Clauses (Hypotheticals):

• “Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo.” (If I had money, I would travel the world.)
• “Si fuera tú, estudiaría más.” (If I were you, I would study more.)

Putting It All Together: Real Scenarios

Conversation 1: Past Regrets
Ana: Ojalá estuvieras en mi fiesta de cumpleaños.
Carlos: Yo también lo deseaba. Si pudiera, volvería en el tiempo.
Ana: Me gustaría que vinieras a visitarme pronto.
Carlos: Te prometo que si tuviera tiempo, iría la próxima semana.

Translation:
Ana: I wish you had been at my birthday party.
Carlos: I wished that too. If I could, I would go back in time.
Ana: I would like you to come visit me soon.
Carlos: I promise you that if I had time, I would go next week.

Conversation 2: Polite Business Request
Jefe: Quería pedirle que terminara el informe hoy.
Empleado: Preferiría que me diera más tiempo.
Jefe: Sería mejor que lo hiciera ahora. Era necesario que lo tuviéramos para mañana.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using present subjunctive with past triggers: “Quise que vengas” (wrong) → “Quise que vinieras” (correct)
2. Confusing -ra and -se forms: Mixing them in the same text
3. Forgetting irregular stems: Using regular patterns for irregular verbs
4. Wrong “if” clause structure: Using imperfect subjunctive in both clauses
5. Overusing in simple past contexts: Only use when there’s a subjunctive trigger

Quick Reference Chart

Situation	Structure	Example
Past Wishes	Ojalá + imperfect subjunctive	Ojalá estuvieras aquí.
Polite Requests	Quería/Pedía que + imperfect subjunctive	Quería que me ayudaras.
Hypotheticals	Si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional	Si tuviera tiempo, viajaría.
Past Emotions	Era + adjective + que + imperfect subjunctive	Era triste que no vinieras.
Two Endings	-ra (common) / -se (formal)	hablara / hablase

Practice Exercise: Conjugate to Imperfect Subjunctive

Conjugate these verbs in imperfect subjunctive:

1. Si yo (tener) más tiempo…
2. Ojalá (ellos/venir) a la fiesta.
3. Era importante que (nosotros/estudiar).
4. Quería que tú (hacer) la tarea.

Answers:

1. tuviera/tuviese
2. vinieran/viniesen
3. estudiáramos/estudiásemos
4. hicieras/hicieses

📚 Build on your knowledge: Review Introduction to the Subjunctive

Ready for Hypotheticals?

Think you understand the imperfect subjunctive? Test your ability to talk about past wishes and hypothetical situations!

Take Our Imperfect Subjunctive Quiz ►

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