estallar Imperfect Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect

Use the imperfect of estallar to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, or to set the scene. For example, 'La gente estallaba en aplausos cada vez que salía el artista' (The crowd would burst into applause every time the artist came out) or 'El ambiente estallaba de tensión' (The atmosphere was bursting with tension).

Notes on estallar in the Imperfect

Estallar is regular in the imperfect indicative. It describes a state or ongoing action in the past.

Example Sentences

• Antes, los volcanes estallaban con más frecuencia.

  Before, volcanoes used to erupt more frequently.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Yo estallaba de risa viendo sus caras.

  I would burst out laughing seeing their faces.

  yo

• La multitud estallaba en cánticos durante el partido.

  The crowd was bursting into chants during the game.

  él/ella/usted

• Tú estallabas de emoción cada vez que te veía.

  You used to burst with emotion every time I saw you.

  tú

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite 'estalló' for a description or habitual action in the past.

  Correct: Use 'estallaba' for ongoing or repeated past actions, like 'La tensión estallaba a menudo'.

  Why: The imperfect describes background or habitual actions, while the preterite describes completed events.

• Mistake: Confusing the imperfect 'estallábamos' with the preterite 'estallamos'.

  Correct: Remember that 'estallábamos' (with the accent on the 'a') is imperfect, indicating ongoing past action.

  Why: The imperfect has a distinct ending and describes continuous or repeated past actions.

Related Tenses