argumentar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
argumentar — to argue
Use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'argumentara', 'argumentase') for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
argumentar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is great for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, or expressing wishes and doubts related to past events. For example, 'Si argumentaras mejor, te entenderían' (If you argued better, they would understand you).
Notes on argumentar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Argumentar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist (e.g., argumentara/argumentase), with the -ra form generally being more common in everyday speech.
Example Sentences
Ojalá yo argumentara con más seguridad.
I wish I argued with more confidence.
yo
Si tú argumentaras menos, quizás nos llevaríamos mejor.
If you argued less, maybe we'd get along better.
tú
Me gustaría que ellos argumentaran sus ideas claramente.
I would like them to argue their ideas clearly.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
El profesor quería que argumentáramos el tema.
The teacher wanted us to argue the topic.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite or imperfect indicative instead of imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical or wishful past scenarios, use 'argumentara' or 'argumentase', not 'argumentó' or 'argumentaba'.
Why: The subjunctive mood is required for non-factual or subjective statements.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: While both are correct, the -ra form (e.g., 'argumentara') is often more common. Consistency is key.
Why: Learners might overthink which form to use or get them mixed up.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: argumento
The present tense of argumentar is regular: argumento, argumentas, argumenta, argumentamos, argumentáis, argumentan.
Preterite
yo: argumenté
The preterite of argumentar is regular: argumenté, argumentaste, argumentó, argumentamos, argumentasteis, argumentaron.
Imperfect
yo: argumentaba
The imperfect of argumentar is regular: argumentaba, argumentabas, argumentaba, argumentábamos, argumentabais, argumentaban.
Future
yo: argumentaré
The future tense of argumentar is regular: argumentaré, argumentarás, argumentará, argumentaremos, argumentaréis, argumentarán.
Conditional
yo: argumentaría
The conditional of argumentar is regular: argumentaría, argumentarías, argumentaría, argumentaríamos, argumentaríais, argumentarían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: argumente
Use the present subjunctive (e.g., 'argumente', 'argumentes') after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: argumenta
Use the imperative to give direct commands like 'argumenta' (you, informal) or 'argumente' (you, formal).
Negative Imperative
yo: no argumentes
Use negative commands like 'no argumentes' (you, informal) or 'no argumente' (you, formal) by adding 'no' to the present subjunctive.