desgastar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

The imperfect subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or polite requests that didn't necessarily happen. For example, 'Si desgastara menos el freno, duraría más' means 'If he/she wore down the brake less, it would last longer.'

Notes on desgastar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Desgastar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se ending (e.g., desgastara or desgastase), but the -ra form is more common.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá no se desgastara tan rápido la suela de mis zapatos.

  I wish the sole of my shoes wouldn't wear down so quickly.

  yo

• Si el motor se desgastara menos, el coche sería más fiable.

  If the engine wore down less, the car would be more reliable.

  él/ella/usted

• Me pidieron que no desgastara la batería del portátil.

  They asked me not to wear down the laptop's battery.

  yo

• Si ellos desgastaran menos la madera, quedaría mejor.

  If they wore down the wood less, it would look better.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: For hypothetical or past wishes, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si se desgastara...', not 'Si se desgastó...' or 'Si se desgastaba...'.

  Why: The subjunctive mood is essential for expressing uncertainty, desire, or hypothetical conditions in the past.

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

  Correct: While both are correct, the -ra form (desgastara) is generally more common in everyday speech than the -se form (desgastase).

  Why: Learners may be unsure which ending to use or which is more appropriate.

Related Tenses