encoger Present Subjunctive Conjugation
encoger — to shrink
The present subjunctive uses the 'j' spelling change in all forms: encoja, encojas, encoja, encojamos, encojáis, encojan.
encoger Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
Use the subjunctive when expressing a wish, doubt, or command that something doesn't shrink (e.g., 'I hope it doesn't shrink').
Notes on encoger in the Present Subjunctive
Because the subjunctive endings for -er verbs start with 'a', the 'g' must change to a 'j' in every single person to maintain the correct pronunciation.
Example Sentences
Espero que la camiseta no se encoja.
I hope the t-shirt doesn't shrink.
él/ella/usted
Dudo que ellos encojan la tela a propósito.
I doubt they are shrinking the fabric on purpose.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Es importante que no encojamos los hombros ante la injusticia.
It's important that we don't shrug our shoulders at injustice.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: encoga
Correct: encoja
Why: Without the 'j', 'encoga' would be pronounced with a hard 'g' (like 'go'), which is incorrect for this verb.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: encojo
Encoger has a spelling change in the 'yo' form (encojo) but is otherwise a regular -er verb.
Preterite
yo: encogí
The preterite of encoger is regular: encogí, encogiste, encogió, encogimos, encogisteis, encogieron.
Imperfect
yo: encogía
The imperfect of encoger is regular: encogía, encogías, encogía, encogíamos, encogíais, encogían.
Future
yo: encogeré
The future of encoger is regular: encogeré, encogerás, encogerá, encogeremos, encogeréis, encogerán.
Conditional
yo: encogería
The conditional of encoger is regular: encogería, encogerías, encogería, encogeríamos, encogeríais, encogerían.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: encogiera
The imperfect subjunctive of encoger is regular: encogiera, encogieras, encogiera, encogiéramos, encogierais, encogieran.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: encoge
The imperative uses 'encoge' (tú) and 'encoged' (vosotros), but switches to 'j' for formal commands: encoja, encojan.
Negative Imperative
yo: no encojas
The negative imperative always uses the 'j' spelling change: no encojas, no encoja, no encojamos, no encojáis, no encojan.