atentar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
atentar — to attempt an attack
The imperfect subjunctive 'atentara' or 'atentase' expresses past hypotheticals or wishes.
atentar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is great for talking about past situations that were hypothetical, unlikely, or not realized. Think 'if I had attacked...', 'I wish he would attack...', or expressing doubt about a past event.
Notes on atentar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Atentar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (atentara) or the -se form (atentase), though -ra is more common in many regions. Both are correct.
Example Sentences
Si yo atentara contra el sistema, me castigarían.
If I were to attack the system, they would punish me.
yo
Ojalá no atentaran contra la paz.
I wish they wouldn't attack the peace.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Me gustaría que atentaras más a los detalles.
I would like you to pay more attention to the details.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses.
Correct: For hypothetical past conditions, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si atentara...' not 'Si atentó...'.
Why: The preterite refers to completed actions, while the imperfect subjunctive handles the unreal or hypothetical nature of the condition.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'atentara' and 'atentase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms. Stick to one or use them interchangeably depending on regional preference.
Why: While both are valid, consistency is good, and knowing both forms helps comprehension.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: atento
Use the present 'atento', 'atentas', 'atenta' for actions happening now or habitual attempts.
Preterite
yo: atenté
The preterite of 'atentar' is regular: atenté, atentaste, atentó, atentamos, atentasteis, atentaron.
Imperfect
yo: atentaba
Use the imperfect 'atentaba' for ongoing or habitual past actions and descriptions.
Future
yo: atentaré
The future tense 'atentaré', 'atentarás', 'atentará' indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: atentaría
The conditional 'atentaría' expresses 'would' actions, polite requests, or future possibilities.
Present Subjunctive
yo: atente
Use 'atente' and 'atenten' for wishes, doubts, and emotions about present or future actions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: atenta
Use the imperative 'atenta' and 'atentad' for direct commands in Spanish.
Negative Imperative
yo: no atentes
Use 'no atentes' and 'no atentéis' for negative commands with 'atentar'.