incumbir Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, doubts, or polite requests that were relevant in a past context.

Notes on incumbir in the Imperfect Subjunctive

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

Example Sentences

• Si me incumbiera el asunto, lo habría resuelto.

  If the matter concerned me, I would have resolved it.

  yo

• Dudaba que te incumbiera la decisión.

  I doubted that the decision concerned you.

  tú

• Sería bueno que le incumbiera al jefe.

  It would be good if it concerned the boss.

  él/ella/usted

• Ojalá nos incumbiera la tarea más fácil.

  I wish the easier task concerned us.

  nosotros

• Esperaba que les incumbiera la responsabilidad.

  I hoped the responsibility would concern them.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive.

  Correct: For hypothetical or past uncertain situations, use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'incumbiera' or 'incumbiese'.

  Why: The preterite indicates a completed action, whereas the imperfect subjunctive is for conditions, wishes, and doubts in the past.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.

  Correct: Both 'incumbiera' and 'incumbiese' are correct, but 'incumbiera' is generally more common.

  Why: While both are grammatically valid, learners often stick to one form, making it important to recognize both.

Related Tenses