estrellar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is for hypothetical situations, wishes, or past events that were uncertain or influenced by emotion. You might use it to say 'if I had smashed it...' or 'I wish you would smash the mold'.

Notes on estrellar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Estrellar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are correct, though the -ra form is more common.

Example Sentences

• Si yo estrellara el coche, mis padres se enfadarían.

  If I were to smash the car, my parents would get angry.

  yo

• Ojalá no estrellaras mis planes.

  I wish you wouldn't smash my plans.

  tú

• Me gustaría que él estrellase su talento en algo útil.

  I would like him to smash his talent into something useful.

  él/ella/usted

• Dudábamos que ellos estrellaran el récord.

  We doubted that they would smash the record.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses, like 'Si estrellé'.

  Correct: For hypothetical past or present conditions, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si estrellara' or 'Si estrellase'.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically designed for hypothetical and counterfactual situations.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings, or using the wrong one.

  Correct: Both 'estrellara' and 'estrellase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms. The -ra form is generally more common.

  Why: Spanish offers two sets of endings for the imperfect subjunctive, and learners may be unsure which to use or if they are interchangeable.

Related Tenses