avisar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive after phrases indicating doubt, desire, emotion, or recommendation in the past. It's also common in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely or hypothetical situations in the past.

Notes on avisar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Avisar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is often preferred.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá avisara a tiempo para la reunión.

  I wish he would notify (notify) me on time for the meeting.

  él/ella/usted

• Si yo avisara de mi llegada, podrías prepararlo todo.

  If I notified you of my arrival, you could prepare everything.

  yo

• Me sorprendió que no nos avisaran del cambio.

  It surprised me that they didn't notify us of the change.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Te lo habría dicho si me avisaras.

  I would have told you if you had notified me.

  tú

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: For hypothetical or uncertain past situations, use 'avisara' or 'avisase', not 'avisaba'.

  Why: The indicative describes facts, while the subjunctive describes non-facts, possibilities, or emotions.

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

  Correct: Both 'avisara' and 'avisase' are correct for the yo/él/ella/usted forms, but stick to one pattern within a sentence if possible.

  Why: While interchangeable, consistency is good practice.

Related Tenses