precisar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
precisar — to need
The imperfect subjunctive of 'precisar' (precisara/precisase) is used for past hypotheticals and wishes.
precisar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, unlikely conditions, polite requests in the past, or expressing wishes/doubts related to past events. It often appears in 'if' clauses or after expressions of desire or emotion.
Notes on precisar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
'Precisar' is a regular -ar verb, so its imperfect subjunctive forms are regular. You can use either the -ra or -se endings (e.g., 'precisara' or 'precisase'); they are interchangeable.
Example Sentences
Si yo precisara más tiempo, lo habría pedido.
If I had needed more time, I would have asked for it.
yo
Me gustaría que precisaras la información.
I would like you to specify the information.
tú
Él actuaba como si no precisara nada.
He acted as if he needed nothing.
él/ella/usted
Ojalá ellos no precisaran tanto dinero.
I wish they didn't need so much money.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Si vosotros precisaseis los detalles, os los daría.
If you all needed the details, I would give them to you.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: In conditional sentences like 'If I needed...', use 'Si yo precisara...', not 'Si yo precisé...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is required for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'precisara' and 'precisase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms for 'yo'.
Why: While one might sound more common in certain regions, both are grammatically valid.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: preciso
The present tense of 'precisar' (preciso, precisas, etc.) means 'to need' or 'to specify' now.
Preterite
yo: precisé
The preterite of 'precisar' (precisé, precisaste, etc.) describes completed past needs or specifications.
Imperfect
yo: precisaba
The imperfect of 'precisar' (precisaba, precisabas, etc.) describes past ongoing or habitual needs/specifications.
Future
yo: precisaré
The future tense of 'precisar' (precisarás, precisará, etc.) means 'will need' or 'will specify'.
Conditional
yo: precisaría
The conditional of 'precisar' (precisaría, precisarías, etc.) means 'would need' or 'would specify'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: precise
The present subjunctive of 'precisar' (precise, precises, etc.) follows wishes, doubts, and emotions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: precisa
Precisa, precise, precisemos, precisad, precisen are the commands for 'to need'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no precises
No precises, no precise, no precisemos, no preciséis, no precisen are negative commands for 'to need'.