demandar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
demandar — to sue
The imperfect subjunctive of demandar (demandara/demandase) is used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
demandar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is for hypothetical situations, wishes, or doubts in the past. You might use it in 'if' clauses referring to past possibilities or to express a past desire that wasn't fulfilled.
Notes on demandar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Demandar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra (demandara) and -se (demandase) endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo hubiera tenido más pruebas, demandara a la compañía.
If I had had more evidence, I would have sued the company.
yo
Me hubiera gustado que ustedes demandaran al culpable.
I would have liked you to sue the culprit.
El abogado sugirió que él demandara al deudor.
The lawyer suggested that he sue the debtor.
él/ella/usted
Dudaba que tú demandaras por esa cantidad.
I doubted that you would sue for that amount.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical past situations, use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'demandara', not 'demandaba').
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'demandara' and 'demandase' are correct, but 'demandara' is generally more common.
Why: While interchangeable in meaning, regional preferences and formality can influence the choice.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: demando
Demandar is regular in the present: demando, demandas, demanda, demandamos, demandáis, demandan.
Preterite
yo: demandé
Demandar is regular in the preterite: demandé, demandaste, demandó, demandamos, demandasteis, demandaron.
Imperfect
yo: demandaba
Demandar is regular in the imperfect: demandaba, demandabas, demandaba, demandábamos, demandabais, demandaban.
Future
yo: demandaré
The future tense of demandar is regular: demandaré, demandarás, demandará, demandaremos, demandaréis, demandarán.
Conditional
yo: demandaría
The conditional of demandar is regular: demandaría, demandarías, demandaría, demandaríamos, demandaríais, demandarían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: demunde
The present subjunctive of demandar (demande, demandes, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: demanda
Demand is a regular -ar verb in the imperative, with forms like demanda (tú) and demandad (vosotros).
Negative Imperative
yo: no demandes
Negative commands for demandar use the present subjunctive: no demandes (tú), no demanden (ustedes).