amparar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, doubts, or polite requests when the main action is also in the past. For 'amparar,' it could be used in 'if I protected...' or 'I wish you would protect...'.

Notes on amparar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Amparar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the '-ra' and '-se' forms exist, but the '-ra' form is generally more common, especially in spoken Spanish. The 'yo', 'él/ella/usted' forms are identical.

Example Sentences

• Si yo amparara a los animales, me sentiría mejor.

  If I protected the animals, I would feel better.

  yo

• Ojalá tú amparas más a tu familia.

  I wish you protected your family more.

  tú

• Él actuaría si ella lo amparara.

  He would act if she protected him.

  él/ella/usted

• Amparáramos a los necesitados si tuviéramos más recursos.

  We would protect those in need if we had more resources.

  nosotros

• Ellos habrían ganado si el árbitro los amparara.

  They would have won if the referee had protected them.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.

  Correct: For hypothetical situations, use 'amparara' or 'amparase', not 'amparaba'.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for hypothetical or uncertain past conditions, while the imperfect indicative describes ongoing or habitual past actions.

• Mistake: Confusing the '-ra' and '-se' endings.

  Correct: The forms are amparara/amparase (yo/él/ella/usted), amparas/amparases (tú), amparáramos/amparásemos (nosotros), ampararais/amparaseis (vosotros), amparan/amparan (ellos/ellas/ustedes).

  Why: While both are correct, learners might mix up the endings or only learn one set.

Related Tenses