acortar Negative Imperative Conjugation
acortar — to shorten
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive, like 'no acortes' (tú) or 'no acorten' (ustedes).
acortar Negative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Negative Imperative
You use the negative imperative to tell someone NOT to do something. For 'acortar', you might tell someone not to shorten a document or a conversation.
Notes on acortar in the Negative Imperative
Acortar follows the standard pattern for negative commands, using the present subjunctive forms.
Example Sentences
No acortes el texto, por favor.
Don't shorten the text, please.
tú
No acorten la reunión, tenemos que terminarla.
Don't shorten the meeting, we have to finish it.
ustedes
No acortemos el paseo, disfrutemos del sol.
Let's not shorten the walk, let's enjoy the sun.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the infinitive instead of the subjunctive for negative commands.
Correct: Use 'no acortar' is incorrect; use 'no acortes' (tú).
Why: Spanish negative commands use the present subjunctive, not the infinitive.
Mistake: Confusing negative commands with affirmative ones.
Correct: Remember to add 'no' for negative commands, e.g., 'no acortes' instead of 'acorta'.
Why: The presence or absence of 'no' completely changes the meaning from a command to a prohibition.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'acortar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
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.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: acortara
The imperfect subjunctive 'acortara(n)' or 'acortase(n)' is for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: acorta
Use imperative forms like 'acorta' (tú) and 'acorten' (ustedes) for direct commands.