Confusing Formal Command

"Detengan" is the formal way (using 'ustedes') to tell a group of people to stop doing something. It comes directly from the special verb form used for wishes and commands.

Formal Plural Command

When used as 'they stop,' it appears after phrases expressing desire, necessity, doubt, or emotion, like 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) or 'Es necesario que...' (It is necessary that...).

Subjunctive Use

The stem of *detener* changes to 'deteng-' in this form. Think of it as following the pattern of the verb 'tener' (to have), which also has a 'teng-' sound in its irregular forms.

Irregularity Tip

Very common, especially in formal commands or when expressing necessity/wishes.

When 'detengan' is used in a legal or official context, it almost always means 'to take into custody' or 'to arrest,' rather than just 'to stop a car.'

Formal Context

Common in news reports, legal contexts, or official statements.

Learn the meaning of the Spanish verb form 'detengan' (to stop, to detain), its usage as a formal command, and its complete irregular conjugation derived from the infinitive 'detener'.

Detengan Meaning, Conjugation & Usage | InkLingo Spanish Dictionary

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detengan

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indicative

conditional

present

preterite

imperfect

future

imperative

affirmative

negative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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