aniquilar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive of aniquilar for hypothetical situations in the past, expressing wishes, or doubts that were relevant at a past time. For example, 'If they had annihilated the enemy...' or 'I wish I could have annihilated my fears.'

Notes on aniquilar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Aniquilar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se ending (e.g., aniquilara or aniquilase); the -ra form is generally more common.

Example Sentences

• Si yo hubiera tenido el poder, habría aniquilado la injusticia.

  If I had had the power, I would have annihilated injustice.

  yo

• Dudaba que tú aniquilaras el problema tan rápido.

  I doubted that you would annihilate the problem so quickly.

  tú

• Era importante que ella aniquilase sus deudas.

  It was important that she annihilate her debts.

• Ojalá aniquiláramos nuestras diferencias.

  I wish we would annihilate our differences.

  nosotros

• Temían que los invasores aniquilaran la ciudad.

  They feared that the invaders would annihilate the city.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in hypothetical 'if' clauses.

  Correct: For past hypotheticals, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si aniquilara...' not 'Si aniquiló...'.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive is the correct mood and tense for unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings, or using only one.

  Correct: Both 'aniquilara' and 'aniquilase' are correct, but 'aniquilara' is often more common.

  Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences or specific contexts might favor one over the other.

Related Tenses