ceder Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
ceder — to give up
The imperfect subjunctive of ceder (cediera/cediese) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
ceder Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
You'll use the imperfect subjunctive of 'ceder' in hypothetical situations in the past, or to express past wishes and doubts. It's common in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely or contrary-to-fact past scenarios, or when politely asking someone to yield something.
Notes on ceder in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Ceder is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions. For example, 'cediera' and 'cediese' both mean 'I would yield'.
Example Sentences
Si yo cediera mi puesto, ¿te sentarías?
If I were to give up my seat, would you sit down?
yo
Ojalá él cediera en su decisión.
I wish he would give in on his decision.
él/ella/usted
Me gustaría que vosotros cedierais un poco.
I would like you all to yield a little.
vosotros
Si ellos cedieran el control, podríamos avanzar.
If they were to cede control, we could move forward.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses.
Correct: Use 'Si cediera...' not 'Si cedió...'.
Why: Hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions require the subjunctive mood, specifically the imperfect subjunctive for past or present hypotheticals.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'cediera' and 'cediese' are correct, but be consistent.
Why: Learners might be unsure which ending to use or mix them up.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: cedo
The present tense of ceder (cedo, cedes, cede, cedemos, cedéis, ceden) describes habitual actions, general truths, or things happening now.
Preterite
yo: cedí
The preterite of ceder is regular: cedí, cediste, cedió, cedimos, cedisteis, cedieron.
Imperfect
yo: cedía
The imperfect of ceder (cedía, cedías, etc.) describes ongoing, habitual, or background actions in the past.
Future
yo: cederé
The future tense of ceder (cederé, cederás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: cedería
The conditional of ceder (cedería, cederías, etc.) is used for hypotheticals, polite requests, and future-in-the-past.
Present Subjunctive
yo: ceda
The present subjunctive of ceder (ceda, cedas, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, and in negative commands.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: cede
Use the imperative of ceder for direct commands: cede (tú), ceda (usted), cedamos (nosotros), ceded (vosotros), cedan (ustedes).
Negative Imperative
yo: no cedas
Negative commands for ceder use the present subjunctive: no cedas (tú), no ceda (usted), no cedamos (nosotros), no cedáis (vosotros), no cedan (ustedes).