excusar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
excusar — to excuse
The imperfect subjunctive of excusar (e.g., 'excusara', 'excusaras') is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or doubts.
excusar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire in the past, or in hypothetical 'if' clauses referring to the past or present. It often translates to 'if I were to excuse' or 'I wish I could excuse'.
Notes on excusar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Excusar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist (e.g., 'excusara' and 'excusase'), with '-ra' being more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Ojalá yo pudiera haberlo excusado.
I wish I could have excused him.
yo
Si tú me excusaras, te lo agradecería.
If you would excuse me, I would appreciate it.
tú
Él actuó como si nada hubiera pasado, pero yo no lo excusaba.
He acted like nothing happened, but I didn't excuse it.
él/ella/usted
Dudábamos que ellos nos excusaran.
We doubted they would excuse us.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Use 'excusara' or 'excusara' for past hypothetical situations, not 'excusó'.
Why: The preterite indicates a completed action, while the imperfect subjunctive deals with unreal or hypothetical situations.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: While both are correct, be aware that '-ra' forms like 'excusara' are generally more common.
Why: Regional preferences and formality levels can influence the choice between -ra and -se forms.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: excuso
The present tense of excusar is regular: excuso, excusas, excusa, excusamos, excusáis, excusan.
Preterite
yo: excusé
The preterite of excusar is regular: excusé, excusaste, excusó, excusamos, excusasteis, excusaron.
Imperfect
yo: excusaba
The imperfect of excusar is regular: excusaba, excusabas, excusaba, excusábamos, excusabais, excusaban.
Future
yo: excusaré
The future of excusar is regular: excusaré, excusarás, excusará, excusaremos, excusaréis, excusarán.
Conditional
yo: excusaría
The conditional of excusar is regular: excusaría, excusarías, excusaría, excusaríamos, excusaríais, excusarían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: excuse
The present subjunctive of excusar (e.g., 'excuse', 'excuses') follows verbs of desire, doubt, emotion, and uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: excusa
Use 'excusa' (tú), 'excuse' (usted), 'excusemos' (nosotros), 'excusad' (vosotros), 'excusen' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no excuses
Use 'no excuses' (tú), 'no excuse' (usted), 'no excusemos' (nosotros), 'no excuséis' (vosotros), 'no excusen' (ustedes) for negative commands.