desviar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
desviar — to divert
Use imperfect subjunctive forms like desviara or desviase for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
desviar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical past situations, expressing wishes about the past, or in polite requests. For 'desviar,' you might discuss what would have happened if something had been diverted, or wish you hadn't diverted.
Notes on desviar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Desviar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si hubiera sabido, no habría desviado el camino.
If I had known, I would not have diverted the path.
yo
Me gustaría que no desviaras la conversación.
I would like you not to divert the conversation.
tú
Ojalá él desviara su atención hacia nosotros.
Hopefully, he would divert his attention towards us.
él/ella/usted
Ellos actuaron como si nadie desviara los recursos.
They acted as if no one was diverting the resources.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si desvié' instead of 'Si desviara'.
Correct: For hypothetical past conditions, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si desviara...'.
Why: The preterite refers to completed actions, while the imperfect subjunctive introduces hypothetical or unreal conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong one.
Correct: Both 'desviara' and 'desviase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms. 'Desviara' is generally more common.
Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences and formality can influence the choice between -ra and -se.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: desvío
Use present forms like desvío (yo) or desvían (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for actions happening now or habitual actions of diverting.
Preterite
yo: desvié
Use preterite forms like desvié (yo) or desviaron (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for completed past actions of diverting.
Imperfect
yo: desviaba
Use imperfect forms like desviaba (yo) or desviaban (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for ongoing or habitual past actions of diverting.
Future
yo: desviaré
Use future forms like desviaré (yo) or desviarán (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for actions that will happen in the future.
Conditional
yo: desviaría
Use conditional forms like desviaría (yo) or desviarían (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for hypothetical situations ('would divert') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: desvíe
Use present subjunctive forms like desvíe (yo/él/ella/usted) or desvíen (ustedes) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: desvía
Use imperative forms like desvía (tú) or desvíen (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no desvíes
Use 'no' + present subjunctive forms like no desvíes (tú) or no desvíen (ustedes) for negative commands.