discurrir Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or doubts that were unreal or unlikely. It often appears in 'if' clauses or after expressions of emotion or uncertainty related to the past.

Notes on discurrir in the Imperfect Subjunctive

'Discurrir' is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both '-ra' and '-se' endings are correct, but '-ra' is more common in many regions. The forms are identical for yo, él/ella/usted.

Example Sentences

• Si el río discurriera más rápido, habría más erosión.

  If the river flowed faster, there would be more erosion.

  él/ella/usted

• Dudaba que la idea discurriera de forma lógica.

  I doubted that the idea would flow logically.

  yo

• Ojalá las aguas discurrieran tranquilas en esa zona.

  I wish the waters would flow calmly in that area.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Te habría ayudado si me lo pidieras.

  I would have helped you if you had asked me (let your request flow).

  tú

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: For a hypothetical past, use 'Si el agua discurriera,' not 'Si el agua discurrió.'

  Why: The preterite describes completed past actions, while the imperfect subjunctive describes unreal or hypothetical past situations.

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

  Correct: While both are correct, be consistent. 'Discurriera' and 'discurriese' are interchangeable, but mixing them in one sentence can sound odd.

  Why: Regional preferences exist, but understanding both sets of endings is key.

Related Tenses