optar Imperfect Conjugation
optar — to opt for
The imperfect of 'optar' (optaba, optabas, etc.) describes habitual or ongoing past choices.
optar Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
Use the imperfect to describe choices that happened repeatedly in the past or were in progress. Think of it as setting the scene or describing a past routine. For example, 'When I was young, I always opted for adventure.'
Notes on optar in the Imperfect
Optar is regular in the imperfect indicative. All forms follow the standard -ar imperfect endings.
Example Sentences
Yo optaba por el café por las mañanas.
I used to opt for coffee in the mornings.
yo
¿Tú optabas por la misma opción siempre?
Did you always opt for the same option?
tú
Ella optaba por leer en lugar de ver la tele.
She would opt to read instead of watching TV.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros optábamos por un camino diferente cada día.
We used to opt for a different path each day.
nosotros
Ellos optaban por la discreción.
They opted for discretion (as a habit).
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite for a habitual past action.
Correct: Use 'optaba' for a repeated action, not 'optó'.
Why: The imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions, while the preterite describes completed actions.
Mistake: Confusing 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted' forms.
Correct: Both 'yo optaba' and 'él/ella/usted optaba' are identical. Context is key.
Why: These forms are homophones, so the subject pronoun or context is essential for clarity.
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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.
Future
yo: optaré
The future tense of 'optar' (optaré, optarás, etc.) indicates choices that will be made.
Conditional
yo: optaría
The conditional of 'optar' (optaría, optarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical choices or polite suggestions.
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.