atorar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, expressing wishes that didn't come true, or making very polite requests. For 'atorar,' you might say something like 'If only the pipe hadn't clogged...' or 'I wish you wouldn't clog the drain.'

Notes on atorar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Atorar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive, forming the -ra and -se stems from the preterite nosotros form 'atoramos'.

Example Sentences

• Si el filtro se atora, la lavadora no funciona.

  If the filter clogs, the washing machine doesn't work.

  él/ella/usted

• Ojalá no se atora la tubería otra vez.

  I hope the pipe doesn't clog again.

  él/ella/usted

• Me gustaría que no atoraras el desagüe.

  I would like you not to clog the drain.

  tú

• Si ellos atoraran el camino, no podríamos pasar.

  If they were to block the road, we wouldn't be able to pass.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing the imperfect subjunctive with the preterite.

  Correct: Use the imperfect subjunctive ('atorara') for hypothetical or wished-for past situations, not the preterite ('atoró').

  Why: The preterite describes completed actions, while the imperfect subjunctive deals with non-factual or desired scenarios.

• Mistake: Using the -se form ('atorase') when the -ra form ('atorara') is more common or preferred.

  Correct: Both forms are correct, but 'atorara' is generally more frequent in spoken Spanish.

  Why: Learners might be exposed to both forms and unsure which to use or when.

Related Tenses