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descuidar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

descuidarto neglect

B1regular -ar★★★★
Quick answer:

The imperfect subjunctive of descuidar (descuidara/descuidase) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, and polite requests.

descuidar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms

yodescuidara
descuidaras
él/ella/usteddescuidara
nosotrosdescuidáramos
vosotrosdescuidarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdescuidaran

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is perfect for talking about past hypothetical situations or expressing wishes that didn't come true. For example, 'I wish I hadn't neglected my homework' or 'If only he wouldn't neglect his health.'

Notes on descuidar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Descuidar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are common, e.g., 'descuidara' and 'descuidase' are interchangeable for most pronouns.

Example Sentences

  • Ojalá no descuidara tanto mi alimentación.

    I wish I didn't neglect my diet so much.

    yo

  • Si descuidaras tus estudios, tus padres se preocuparían.

    If you neglected your studies, your parents would worry.

  • Me pidió que no descuidara a los niños.

    He asked me not to neglect the children.

    yo

  • Ellos actuaron como si no descuidaran nada.

    They acted as if they neglected nothing.

    ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive for past wishes.

    Correct: Use 'Si no descuidara...' not 'Si no descuidé...'.

    Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for hypothetical or unreal situations in the past.

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

    Correct: Both 'descuidara' and 'descuidase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms.

    Why: While one might be preferred regionally, both are grammatically valid.

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