optar Conditional Conjugation
optar — to opt for
The conditional of 'optar' (optaría, optarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical choices or polite suggestions.
optar Conditional Forms
When to Use the Conditional
Use the conditional for hypothetical situations ('I would opt for...') or to make polite requests or suggestions. It can also describe a future action from a past perspective ('He said he would opt for the deal').
Notes on optar in the Conditional
Optar is regular in the conditional tense. The stem is the infinitive 'optar', and the standard conditional endings are added.
Example Sentences
Yo optaría por la opción A si tuviera que elegir.
I would opt for option A if I had to choose.
yo
¿Tú optarías por algo diferente?
Would you opt for something different?
tú
Él optaría por la paz.
He would opt for peace.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros optaríamos por la prudencia.
We would opt for prudence.
nosotros
Ellos optarían por el silencio.
They would opt for silence.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect subjunctive instead of conditional for hypotheticals.
Correct: Use 'optaría' for 'I would opt', not 'optara'.
Why: The conditional expresses what *would* happen, while the imperfect subjunctive often sets up the condition ('if I opted').
Mistake: Confusing conditional with future.
Correct: Use 'optaría' for 'would opt', not 'optará' for 'will opt'.
Why: The future tense refers to definite future actions, while the conditional refers to hypothetical or polite situations.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: opto
The present tense of 'optar' (opto, optas, opta, etc.) describes current or habitual choices.
Preterite
yo: opté
The preterite of 'optar' (opté, optaste, optó, etc.) marks completed past choices or decisions.
Imperfect
yo: optaba
The imperfect of 'optar' (optaba, optabas, etc.) describes habitual or ongoing past choices.
Future
yo: optaré
The future tense of 'optar' (optaré, optarás, etc.) indicates choices that will be made.
Present Subjunctive
yo: opte
The present subjunctive of 'optar' (opte, optes, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: optara
The imperfect subjunctive of 'optar' (optara, optaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: opta
Opta, optemos, optad, opten are the affirmative commands for 'optar'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no optes
Negative commands for 'optar' use the present subjunctive: no optes, no optemos, no optéis, no opten.