optar Present Conjugation
optar — to opt for
The present tense of 'optar' (opto, optas, opta, etc.) describes current or habitual choices.
optar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense to talk about choices you habitually make, decisions you are making right now, or general truths about opting for things. For example, 'I always opt for coffee' or 'She opts for the best'.
Notes on optar in the Present
Optar is regular in the present indicative. All forms follow the standard -ar present tense endings.
Example Sentences
Yo opto por la tranquilidad.
I opt for tranquility.
yo
¿Tú optas por el postre?
Do you opt for dessert?
tú
Él siempre opta por la ruta más corta.
He always opts for the shortest route.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros optamos por el menú del día.
We opt for the daily special.
nosotros
Ellos optan por la solución más práctica.
They opt for the most practical solution.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present subjunctive form.
Correct: For a statement of fact, use 'opta', not 'opte'.
Why: The present indicative is for facts and realities, while the present subjunctive is for wishes, doubts, etc.
Mistake: Forgetting the 'vosotros' ending.
Correct: The correct 'vosotros' form is 'optáis'.
Why: The '-áis' ending is standard for the 'vosotros' present indicative of -ar verbs.
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Related Tenses
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.
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.