acostumbrar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
acostumbrar — to be in the habit of
The imperfect subjunctive of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbrara, acostumbrase) is used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
acostumbrar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about past situations that were hypothetical, unlikely, or contrary to fact. Think of 'if' clauses in the past or expressing wishes about the past. For example, 'Ojalá no me hubiera acostumbrado tan rápido.' (I wish I hadn't gotten used to it so quickly).
Notes on acostumbrar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Acostumbrar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si me acostumbrara a viajar tanto, me cansaría.
If I got used to traveling so much, I would get tired.
yo
Era importante que él se acostumbrara a la vida aquí.
It was important that he got used to life here.
él/ella/usted
No creía que nos acostumbráramos tan pronto.
I didn't think we would get used to it so soon.
nosotros
Me sorprendió que ellos se acostumbraran al cambio.
It surprised me that they got used to the change.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses.
Correct: For past hypotheticals, use forms like 'acostumbrara' or 'acostumbrase', not 'acostumbró'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is required for unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'acostumbrara' and 'acostumbrase' are correct, but 'acostumbrara' is generally more common.
Why: While interchangeable in many contexts, regional preferences exist.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: acostumbro
The present tense of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbro, acostumbra) means 'I am used to' or 'I habitually do'.
Preterite
yo: acostumbré
The preterite of acostumbrar is regular, describing completed actions like 'acostumbré' (I got used to) or 'acostumbraron' (they got used to).
Imperfect
yo: acostumbraba
The imperfect of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbraba, acostumbraban) describes past habits or ongoing states of being used to something.
Future
yo: acostumbraré
The future tense of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbraré, acostumbrará) means 'will get used to'.
Conditional
yo: acostumbraría
The conditional of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbraría, acostumbrarían) means 'would get used to'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: acostumbre
The present subjunctive of acostumbrar (e.g., acostumbre, acostumbres) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: acostumbra
The imperative of acostumbrar gives direct commands, like 'acostumbra' (you, informal) or 'acostumbren' (you, plural).
Negative Imperative
yo: no acostumbres
Negative commands for acostumbrar use the present subjunctive, like 'no acostumbres' (don't get used to it).