acortar Present Conjugation
acortar — to shorten
The present tense 'acorto', 'acortas', 'acorta', 'acortamos', 'acortáis', 'acortan' describes current or habitual actions.
acortar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense of 'acortar' for actions happening now, habitual actions, or general truths. For example, 'This fabric shortens when you wash it' or 'I shorten my hair every summer.'
Notes on acortar in the Present
Acortar is a regular -ar verb in the present tense.
Example Sentences
Yo acorto la distancia corriendo.
I shorten the distance by running.
yo
¿Tú acortas el tiempo de viaje con el GPS?
Do you shorten the travel time with the GPS?
tú
El sol acorta los días en invierno.
The sun shortens the days in winter.
él/ella/usted
Ellos acortan el camino para llegar a tiempo.
They shorten the path to arrive on time.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present progressive ('estar' + gerund) when a simple present is more natural.
Correct: Say 'Acorto el pelo' instead of 'Estoy acortando el pelo' for a general habit.
Why: The simple present often covers habitual actions more smoothly than the present progressive.
Mistake: Confusing 'acortamos' (we shorten) with 'acortamos' (we shortened - preterite).
Correct: Context usually clarifies: 'Acortamos el camino' (present) vs. 'Ayer acortamos el camino' (preterite).
Why: The nosotros form is identical in the present and preterite indicative.
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Related Tenses
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.
Negative Imperative
yo: no acortes
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive, like 'no acortes' (tú) or 'no acorten' (ustedes).