apoderar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
apoderar — to empower
The imperfect subjunctive of apoderar (apoderara/apoderase) expresses past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations.
apoderar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, doubts, or emotions that were happening or felt in the past. It often appears in 'if' clauses ('si...') or after expressions like 'ojalá' (hopefully) or 'quizás' (perhaps) referring to the past.
Notes on apoderar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Apoderar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (apoderara) or the -se form (apoderase), with the -ra form being more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Ojalá el nuevo líder nos apoderara más.
Hopefully, the new leader would empower us more.
él/ella/usted
Si yo tuviera el poder, apoderaría a más mujeres.
If I had the power, I would empower more women.
yo
Dudaba que ellos se apoderaran de la situación.
I doubted they would take control of the situation.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Me pidió que apoderara el proyecto.
He asked me to take charge of the project.
yo
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Use 'apoderara' or 'apoderase' after expressions of doubt, desire, or in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
Why: The subjunctive mood is required to express uncertainty, desire, or hypothetical conditions.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'apoderara' and 'apoderase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms. Choose one and be consistent, or use the -ra form as it's generally more common.
Why: While both are correct, regional preferences and formality levels can influence choice.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: apodero
The present tense of apoderar (apadero, apoderas, apodera...) describes current or habitual actions of empowering or taking control.
Preterite
yo: apoderé
The preterite of apoderar (apoderé, apoderaste, apoderó...) describes completed past actions of taking control or empowering.
Imperfect
yo: apoderaba
The imperfect of apoderar (apoderaba, apoderabas, apoderaba...) describes past habits, ongoing actions, or background settings of empowering or taking control.
Future
yo: apoderaré
The future tense of apoderar (apoderaré, apoderarás, apoderará...) indicates future actions of empowering or taking control.
Conditional
yo: apoderaría
The conditional of apoderar (apoderaría, apoderarías, apoderaría...) expresses hypothetical empowerment or polite suggestions.
Present Subjunctive
yo: apodere
The present subjunctive of apoderar (apodere, apoderes, etc.) is used after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, and uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: apodera
Use the imperative of apoderar for direct commands like 'empower!' or 'let's empower!'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no apoderes
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands with apoderar, like 'don't empower!'.