atormentar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or necessity in the past. It's also common in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely or contrary-to-fact situations in the past.

Notes on atormentar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

'Atormentar' is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá no nos atormentara tanto el calor.

  I wish the heat wouldn't torment us so much.

  él/ella/usted

• Si yo atormentara a mis enemigos, sería terrible.

  If I were to torment my enemies, it would be terrible.

  yo

• Dudaba que él nos atormentase con sus problemas.

  I doubted that he would torment us with his problems.

  él/ella/usted

• Era importante que no se atormentaran por el resultado.

  It was important that they not torment themselves over the result.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.

  Correct: For hypothetical or uncertain past situations, use 'atormentara' or 'atormentase', not 'atormentaba'.

  Why: The indicative mood describes facts or reality, while the subjunctive is for doubt, desire, and hypotheticals.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.

  Correct: While both are correct, be consistent within a sentence and aware that -ra is generally more common.

  Why: Both endings are grammatically valid imperfect subjunctive forms.

Related Tenses