asombrar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, expressing wishes or doubts that were relevant in the past, or in polite requests that refer to past scenarios. Think 'If only I could have amazed them...' or 'I would have been amazed if...'

Notes on asombrar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Asombrar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. It has two forms, the -ra form (asombrara) and the -se form (asombrase), which are interchangeable. The -ra form is generally more common.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá yo pudiera haberlos asombrado más.

  I wish I could have amazed them more.

  yo

• Si tú hubieras tenido más tiempo, ¿los habrías asombrado?

  If you had had more time, would you have amazed them?

  tú

• Me pidió que lo asombrara con mi disfraz.

  He asked me to amaze him with my costume.

  él/ella/usted

• Ellos habrían ganado si hubieran asombrado al público.

  They would have won if they had amazed the audience.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing imperfect subjunctive with imperfect indicative.

  Correct: Use 'Si él asombrara' (if he amazed) for hypothetical, not 'Si él asombraba' (if he was amazing).

  Why: The subjunctive is for unreal or hypothetical conditions, while the indicative describes factual past situations.

• Mistake: Using the -se form when the -ra form is expected or vice versa.

  Correct: Both 'asombrara' and 'asombrase' are usually correct, but context might slightly favor one. 'Asombrara' is more common.

  Why: While interchangeable, learners sometimes get confused about which ending to use or when one might be preferred.

Related Tenses