deteriorar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
deteriorar — to deteriorate
Use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'deteriorara' or 'deteriorase' for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
deteriorar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for hypothetical situations in the past or present, often following expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion. For example, 'Ojalá no se deteriorara tan rápido' (I wish it wouldn't deteriorate so fast). It's also used in 'if' clauses describing unlikely scenarios.
Notes on deteriorar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Deteriorar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si el tiempo se deteriorara, tendríamos que cancelar el picnic.
If the weather were to deteriorate, we would have to cancel the picnic.
él/ella/usted
Me preocupaba que el puente se deteriorara con el uso.
I was worried that the bridge might deteriorate with use.
él/ella/usted
Quisiera que no se deteriorase el edificio.
I would like the building not to deteriorate.
él/ella/usted
Esperábamos que las condiciones no se deterioraran más.
We hoped the conditions wouldn't deteriorate further.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'deteriorara' or 'deteriorase' for hypotheticals and past wishes.
Why: The preterite is for completed past actions, not unreal or past-tense hypothetical situations.
Mistake: Forgetting the accent on the '-ra' forms.
Correct: Remember the accent: 'deteriorara', 'deterioraras', etc.
Why: The accent is crucial for pronunciation and distinguishes these forms.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: deterioro
The present tense of deteriorar is regular: 'deterioro, deterioras, deteriora, deterioramos, deterioráis, deterioran'.
Preterite
yo: deterioré
The preterite of deteriorar is regular: 'deterioré, deterioraste, deterioró, deterioramos, deteriorasteis, deterioraron'.
Imperfect
yo: deterioraba
The imperfect of deteriorar is regular: 'deterioraba, deteriorabas, deterioraba, deteriorábamos, deteriorabais, deterioraban'.
Future
yo: deterioraré
The future tense of deteriorar is regular: 'deterioraré, deteriorarás, deteriorará, deterioraremos, deterioraréis, deteriorarán'.
Conditional
yo: deterioraría
The conditional of deteriorar is regular: 'deterioraría, deteriorarías, deterioraría, deterioraríamos, deterioraríais, deteriorarían'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: deteriore
Use present subjunctive forms like 'deteriore' or 'deterioren' after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: deteriora
Use the imperative 'deteriora' for tú commands, and other forms like 'deterioren' for ustedes/ellos commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no deteriores
Form negative commands by adding 'no' before the present subjunctive forms like 'no deteriore' or 'no deterioren'.