acortar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
acortar — to shorten
The imperfect subjunctive 'acortara(n)' or 'acortase(n)' is for past hypotheticals or wishes.
acortar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion in the past, or in 'if' clauses referring to hypothetical situations. For example, 'If I had known they would shorten the movie, I would have stayed home.'
Notes on acortar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Acortar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se endings, though -ra is more common.
Example Sentences
Ojalá no acortara tanto la entrevista.
I wish they wouldn't shorten the interview so much.
él/ella/usted
Si acortaras el camino, llegaríamos antes.
If you shortened the way, we would arrive earlier.
tú
Dudaba que ellos acortaran el programa.
I doubted they would shorten the program.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical situations, use 'Si acortara...', not 'Si acortaba...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is required for unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: While both are correct, be consistent. 'acortara' and 'acortarais' are common.
Why: Learners sometimes mix the endings or use less common forms incorrectly.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: acorto
The present tense 'acorto', 'acortas', 'acorta', 'acortamos', 'acortáis', 'acortan' describes current or habitual actions.
Preterite
yo: acorté
The preterite of acortar is regular: acorté, acortaste, acortó, acortamos, acortasteis, acortaron.
Imperfect
yo: acortaba
The imperfect 'acortaba(n)' describes ongoing or habitual past actions of shortening.
Future
yo: acortaré
The future tense 'acortaré', 'acortarás', etc., indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: acortaría
The conditional 'acortaría(n)' expresses hypothetical outcomes ('would shorten').
Present Subjunctive
yo: acorte
Use the present subjunctive 'acorte(n)' after expressions of desire, doubt, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: acorta
Use imperative forms like 'acorta' (tú) and 'acorten' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no acortes
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive, like 'no acortes' (tú) or 'no acorten' (ustedes).