estirar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
estirar — to stretch
The imperfect subjunctive of estirar (estirara/estirase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
estirar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, or expressing wishes and polite requests that were relevant in the past. For instance, 'Si pudiera, estirara más tiempo.' (If I could, I would stretch longer.)
Notes on estirar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Estirar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (estirara) or the -se form (estirase), with -ra often being more common.
Example Sentences
Si tuviera tiempo, estirara más cada mañana.
If I had time, I would stretch more each morning.
yo
Me gustaría que estiraras un poco antes de levantarte.
I would like you to stretch a little before getting up.
tú
Ellos pensaron que estirara la cuerda con cuidado.
They thought that he would stretch the rope carefully.
él/ella/usted
Ojalá estiraran menos el chicle.
I wish they would chew the gum less.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite or imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: In hypothetical 'if' clauses, use 'estirara' or 'estirase', not 'estiró' or 'estiraba'.
Why: The subjunctive mood is required for unreal or hypothetical conditions.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'estirara' and 'estirase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms.
Why: Learners sometimes get confused by the two sets of endings, but both are valid.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: estiro
The present tense of estirar (estiro) is used for current actions, habits, and general truths.
Preterite
yo: estiré
The preterite of estirar is regular: estiré, estiraste, estiró, estiramos, estirasteis, estiraron.
Imperfect
yo: estiraba
The imperfect of estirar (estiraba) describes ongoing or habitual past stretching.
Future
yo: estiraré
The future tense of estirar (estiraré) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: estiraría
The conditional of estirar (estiraría) is used for hypotheticals ('would stretch') and polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: estire
The present subjunctive of estirar (estire) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: estira
Use imperative forms like 'estira' (tú) for direct commands with estirar.
Negative Imperative
yo: no estires
Use 'no' + present subjunctive (e.g., 'no estires') for negative commands with estirar.