bombear Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive for past events that were hypothetical, unlikely, or dependent on something else. It's common in 'if' clauses referring to the past, or after expressions of doubt or desire about the past.

Notes on bombear in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Bombear is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist (e.g., 'bombeara' and 'bombearase'), but the -ra form is more common in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

• Si yo bombeara más rápido, terminaríamos antes.

  If I pumped faster, we would finish sooner.

  yo

• Me gustaría que tú bombearas menos agua.

  I would like you to pump less water.

  tú

• Ojalá él bombeara con más cuidado.

  I wish he would pump more carefully.

  él/ella/usted

• Ellos actuaron como si bombearan toda la noche.

  They acted as if they had pumped all night.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Si vosotros bombearais más fuerte, la máquina funcionaría.

  If you all pumped harder, the machine would work.

  vosotros

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: In hypothetical or dependent clauses about the past, use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'bombeara').

  Why: The subjunctive mood is required for uncertainty, desire, and hypothetical situations.

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

  Correct: Both 'bombeara' and 'bombearase' are correct, but 'bombeara' is generally more common.

  Why: Learners might only know one form or incorrectly think one is always preferred.

Related Tenses