engendrar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
engendrar — to give rise to
The imperfect subjunctive of engendrar (engendrara, engendraras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals and wishes.
engendrar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, polite requests, or when expressing wishes or doubts about past events. For 'engendrar', it could be used in a sentence like 'Si yo engendrara más tiempo, lo haría todo diferente'.
Notes on engendrar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Engendrar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (engendrara, engendraras, engendrara, engendráramos, engendrarais, engendraran) is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo engendrara más recursos, podríamos expandirnos.
If I were to generate more resources, we could expand.
yo
Ojalá él engendrara un poco de paciencia.
I wish he would generate some patience.
él/ella/usted
Me gustaría que ustedes engendraran un plan mejor.
I would like you (ustedes) to create a better plan.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
¿Tú qué harías si engendraras riqueza de la noche a la mañana?
What would you do if you generated wealth overnight?
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
Correct: For past hypotheticals, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si yo engendrara...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for unreal or hypothetical conditions, especially in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong ending.
Correct: Ensure you use the correct endings for the -ra form: engendrara, engendraras, etc. (or the -se forms: engendrase, engendrases, etc.).
Why: Both sets of endings are grammatically correct, but consistency and correct conjugation are key.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: engendro
The present tense of engendrar (engendro, engendras, etc.) is used for current actions, habits, and general truths.
Preterite
yo: engendré
The preterite of engendrar is regular: engendré, engendraste, engendró, engendramos, engendrasteis, engendraron.
Imperfect
yo: engendraba
The imperfect of engendrar (engendraba, engendrabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: engendraré
The future tense of engendrar (engendraré, engendrarás, etc.) talks about what will happen.
Conditional
yo: engendraría
The conditional of engendrar (engendraría, engendrarías, etc.) expresses hypotheticals and polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: engendre
The present subjunctive of engendrar (engendre, engendres, etc.) expresses wishes, doubts, and uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: engendra
Use the imperative of engendrar for direct commands like 'engendra tú' or 'engendren ustedes'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no engendres
Negative commands with 'no' use the present subjunctive, like 'no engendres tú' or 'no engendren ustedes'.