empujar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is great for talking about hypothetical situations in the past or expressing wishes that didn't come true. For example, 'Si yo empujara la puerta, se abriría' (If I pushed the door, it would open). It's also used after certain verbs expressing doubt or emotion in the past.

Notes on empujar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Empujar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra (empujara) and -se (empujase) endings are correct and interchangeable, though -ra is more common in many regions.

Example Sentences

• Si yo empujara más fuerte, tal vez se movería.

  If I pushed harder, maybe it would move.

  yo

• Me gustaría que tú empujaras el carrito.

  I would like you to push the cart.

  tú

• Dudaba que él empujara la mesa solo.

  I doubted that he would push the table alone.

  él/ella/usted

• Ojalá ellos empujaran el sofá para hacer espacio.

  Hopefully they would push the sofa to make space.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Sería mejor si vosotros empujarais la puerta.

  It would be better if you (plural, informal) pushed the door.

  vosotros

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of imperfect subjunctive for past hypotheticals.

  Correct: Use 'Si yo empujara...' not 'Si yo empujé...'.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive is required for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions in the past.

• Mistake: Forgetting the accent on the 'a' in the -ra forms.

  Correct: The forms are empujara, empujaras, empujáramos, empujaran, etc. The accent is crucial.

  Why: The accent marks the stress and distinguishes the imperfect subjunctive from other verb forms.

Related Tenses