aproximar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations or wishes in the past, often following expressions of doubt, emotion, or in 'if' clauses referring to the past.

Notes on aproximar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

'Aproximar' is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form is more common.

Example Sentences

• Si yo aproximara el micrófono, ¿me escucharían mejor?

  If I moved the microphone closer, would they hear me better?

  yo

• Quería que tú aproximaras la tienda para verla.

  I wanted you to move the store closer so we could see it.

  tú

• Dudaba que él aproximara la fecha de entrega.

  I doubted that he would move the delivery date closer.

  él/ella/usted

• Nos pidieron que aproximáramos la conversación al tema.

  They asked us to bring the conversation closer to the topic.

  nosotros

• Ojalá ellos aproximaran sus sillas para compartir.

  I wish they would move their chairs closer to share.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: In hypothetical or dependent clauses, use 'aproximara' or 'aproximarais', not 'aproximó' or 'aproximaba'.

  Why: The subjunctive mood is required for uncertainty, doubt, and hypothetical scenarios, even when referring to past possibilities.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.

  Correct: While both exist (e.g., 'aproximase'), the -ra form is generally more common and preferred in many regions.

  Why: Learners may not be familiar with the -se endings or may mix them up.

Related Tenses