desechar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is used for actions or states that were hypothetical, desired, or uncertain in the past. It's common in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely past scenarios, or after verbs expressing past wishes or doubts, like 'Ojalá desechara menos.' (I wish I threw away less).

Notes on desechar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Desechar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the '-ra' and '-se' endings are correct, though the '-ra' form is more common in many regions. The conjugation is the same for 'yo', 'él/ella/usted' and 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' (plural).

Example Sentences

• Si yo desechara más, tendría menos cosas.

  If I threw away more, I would have fewer things.

  yo

• Quería que tú desechara la caja.

  I wanted you to throw away the box.

  tú

• Ojalá ellos desechara la ropa vieja.

  I wish they would throw away the old clothes.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Me sorprendió que usted desechara mi regalo.

  It surprised me that you threw away my gift.

  él/ella/usted

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: Use 'desecharas' or 'desechara' for past hypothetical or desired actions.

  Why: The preterite describes completed past actions, while the imperfect subjunctive deals with past uncertainty, desire, or unreality.

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

  Correct: Both 'desecharas' and 'desecharas' are correct, but '-ra' is generally more common.

  Why: While both are grammatically valid, regional preferences and context can influence which form is used.

Related Tenses