exhalar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
exhalar — to exhale
The imperfect subjunctive exhalara/exhalarais/exhalaran expresses past hypotheticals or wishes.
exhalar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is great for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or polite requests that didn't necessarily happen. For example, 'If I could exhale more deeply, I would feel better.'
Notes on exhalar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Exhalar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both '-ra' and '-se' endings are possible, but '-ra' is more common.
Example Sentences
Quisiera que exhalaras con más calma.
I wish you would exhale more calmly.
tú
Si exhalara menos, me cansaría.
If I exhaled less, I would get tired.
yo
Era importante que ustedes exhalaran despacio.
It was important that you all exhaled slowly.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Use 'exhalara' or 'exhalaras' for past hypothetical or wishes.
Why: The preterite describes completed actions, while the imperfect subjunctive deals with uncertainty or non-factual situations.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: While both exist (exhalara vs. exhalase), the -ra form is generally more common and preferred.
Why: Consistency is key; sticking to one form within a context is best.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: exhalo
The present indicative exhalas (tú) and exhala (él/ella/usted) describes current actions or habits.
Preterite
yo: exhalé
The preterite of exhalar is regular: exhalé, exhalaste, exhaló, exhalamos, exhalasteis, exhalaron.
Imperfect
yo: exhalaba
The imperfect exhalaba (yo/él/ella/usted) describes ongoing or habitual past actions of exhaling.
Future
yo: exhalaré
The future tense exhalaré (yo) and exhalará (él/ella/usted) indicates an action that will happen.
Conditional
yo: exhalaría
The conditional exhalaría (yo/él/ella/usted) suggests 'would exhale' or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: exhale
Present subjunctive forms like exhale (yo/él/ella/usted) are used after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: exhala
Use imperative forms like exhala (tú) and exhale (usted) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no exhales
Negative commands use 'no' plus the present subjunctive, like no exhales (tú) or no exhale (usted).