Identify

• The subjunctive is a verb mood, not a tense in terms of time.
• Describes how the verb is understood in the sentence.
• There are many different ways to utilize the subjunctive, in the present or past

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• LEAF Spanish Grammar: The Subjunctive – Basics

60-Second Spanish Grammar Lesson

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Study

When to use the Imperfect (Past) Subjunctive:

The imperfect subjunctive works in the same way as the present subjunctive, except when the verb in the main clause is in the PAST tense.

For example:

Present Subjunctive:
Main clause = present tense
Subjunctive clause = present subjunctive form

Past Subjunctive:
Main clause = past tense
Subjunctive clause = past subjunctive form

How to form the Imperfect (Past) Subjunctive: 

Take the third person plural form of the preterite past tense, (hablaron) then drop the [-on] from the end, which gives you the stem [hablar-] for the imperfect subjunctive, then add the appropriate ending. The endings are the same for all verbs (AR, ER, & IR VERBS):

hablar -a
hablar -as
hablar -a
hablár -amos (note the accent over the “a” in the root)
hablar -ais
hablar -an

There’s also a second form that’s used for the Past Subjunctive. Usage of this form depends on geographic location and context.

habla -se
habla -ses
habla -se
hablá -semos
habla -seis
habla -sen

Adapt

Era necesario que habláramos con el doctor.
It was necessary that we speak with the doctor.

El niño no quería que le dieran una inyección.
The child did not want them to give him a shot.

Engage

• LEAF Spanish Verb Conjugation Chart: [-AR] Verb Endings
• LEAF Spanish Verb Conjugation Chart: [-ER] Verb Endings
• LEAF Spanish Verb Conjugation Chart: [-IR] Verb Endings

Explore

• YouTube/MaestroKaplan: Past Subjunctive
• YouTube/VisualLinkLanguages: Irregular Past Subjunctive

Quizlet Activity

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