arrojar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

The imperfect subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations in the past, or to express wishes, doubts, or emotions related to past events. For instance, 'Si yo arrojara más fuerte, ganaría el juego' (If I threw harder, I would win the game) or 'Me gustaría que arrojara la basura' (I wish he would throw out the trash). It's also common after expressions like 'como si' (as if).

Notes on arrojar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Arrojar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist (e.g., arrojara, arrojase), with the -ra form being more common in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

• Si pudiera, arrojaría el balón más lejos.

  If I could, I would throw the ball farther.

  yo

• Ella actuaba como si no arrojará nada.

  She acted as if she wasn't throwing anything.

• Me pidieron que arrojara el papel en la papelera correcta.

  They asked me to throw the paper in the correct bin.

  yo

• Ojalá arrojaras menos cosas innecesarias.

  I wish you would throw away fewer unnecessary things.

  tú

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive, e.g., 'Si arroja más fuerte...'.

  Correct: For hypotheticals, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si arrojara más fuerte...'.

  Why: The conditional 'arrojaría' often pairs with the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses for hypothetical scenarios.

• Mistake: Confusing -ra and -se forms without context.

  Correct: Both 'arrojara' and 'arrojase' are correct for 'yo', but '-ra' is generally more common.

  Why: While both are grammatically valid, regional and stylistic preferences exist, with '-ra' being more widespread.

Related Tenses