precipitar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or polite requests that were made in the past. It often appears in 'if' clauses. For example, 'Si yo precipitara la reunión, no habría tiempo para discutir.' (If I hastened the meeting, there wouldn't be time to discuss.)

Notes on precipitar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

The verb 'precipitar' is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (precipitara, precipitaras, etc.) is more common. The conjugation is regular for all persons.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá yo precipitara la entrega.

  I wish I could hasten the delivery.

  yo

• Si tú precipitaras el viaje, llegaríamos antes.

  If you hastened the trip, we would arrive earlier.

  tú

• Ellos actuaron como si precipitara la crisis.

  They acted as if he were hastening the crisis.

  él/ella/usted

• Nos pidieron que precipitáramos la respuesta.

  They asked us to hasten the response.

  nosotros

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: Use 'precipitara' or 'precipitara', not 'precipitó' or 'precipitaron'.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive is needed for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations in the past.

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

  Correct: While both are technically correct, the -ra form is generally preferred and more common in everyday speech.

  Why: Learners may not be aware of the two sets of endings or which is more common.

Related Tenses