contaminar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
contaminar — to pollute
The imperfect subjunctive of contaminar (contaminara/contaminase) expresses hypothetical or past subjunctive situations.
contaminar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations, expressing wishes, doubts, or emotions in the past, or in clauses that depend on a past main verb. It's common in 'if' clauses describing unreal or unlikely past conditions.
Notes on contaminar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Contaminar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra (contaminara) and -se (contaminase) forms are correct, though -ra is generally more common.
Example Sentences
Si yo contaminara menos, el planeta estaría mejor.
If I polluted less, the planet would be better.
yo
Dudaba que él contaminase el agua a propósito.
I doubted that he would pollute the water on purpose.
él/ella/usted
Me gustaría que no contaminaran tanto.
I would like it if they didn't pollute so much.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Si vosotros contaminarais menos, ayudaríais al medio ambiente.
If you all polluted less, you would help the environment.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite or imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical past situations or wishes, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si yo contaminara...', not 'Si yo contaminé...' or 'Si yo contaminaba...'.
Why: The indicative tenses describe facts or real events, while the subjunctive is for non-factual or subjective contexts.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'contaminara' and 'contaminase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms. Use them interchangeably or stick to the one you prefer.
Why: Spanish has two sets of endings for the imperfect subjunctive, and both are grammatically valid.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: contamino
The present indicative of contaminar (contamino, contaminas, etc.) describes current or habitual pollution.
Preterite
yo: contaminé
The preterite of contaminar is regular: contaminé, contaminaste, contaminó, contaminamos, contaminasteis, contaminaron.
Imperfect
yo: contaminaba
The imperfect of contaminar (contaminaba, contaminabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual pollution in the past.
Future
yo: contaminaré
The future tense of contaminar (contaminaré, contaminarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: contaminaría
The conditional of contaminar (contaminaría, contaminarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical outcomes ('would pollute').
Present Subjunctive
yo: contamine
The present subjunctive of contaminar (contamine, contamines, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: contamina
Use the imperative of contaminar for direct commands like 'contamina' (tú) or 'contaminen' (ustedes).
Negative Imperative
yo: no contamines
Negative commands for contaminar use the present subjunctive, like 'no contamines' (tú) or 'no contaminen' (ustedes).