optar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
optar — to opt for
The imperfect subjunctive of 'optar' (optara, optaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
optar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, expressing wishes about the past, or making very polite requests. Think 'if I were to opt...' or 'I wish you would opt...'.
Notes on optar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Optar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the '-ra' and '-se' endings are possible (e.g., optara/optase), but the '-ra' form is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo optara por el otro camino, ¿qué habría pasado?
If I were to opt for the other path, what would have happened?
yo
Me gustaría que tú optaras por esta solución.
I would like you to opt for this solution.
tú
Ellos actuarían diferente si optaran por la prudencia.
They would act differently if they opted for prudence.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Ojalá nosotros optáramos por la paz.
Hopefully, we would opt for peace.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Confusing imperfect subjunctive with preterite.
Correct: Use 'optara' for hypotheticals, not 'optó'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive deals with unreal or hypothetical situations, while the preterite describes completed actions.
Mistake: Using the wrong ending (-ra vs -se).
Correct: Both 'optara' and 'optase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms, but 'optara' is often more common.
Why: Regional preferences exist, but both are grammatically valid.
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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.
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.
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.