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preocuparse Imperfect Conjugation

preocuparseto worry

A1reflexive, regular -ar★★★★★
Quick answer:

The imperfect of preocuparse is regular: me preocupaba, te preocupabas, se preocupaba, nos preocupábamos, os preocupabais, se preocupaban.

preocuparse Imperfect Forms

yome preocupaba
te preocupabas
él/ella/ustedse preocupaba
nosotrosnos preocupábamos
vosotrosos preocupabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesse preocupaban

When to Use the Imperfect

Use the imperfect to describe a state of worry that lasted for an indefinite time in the past or to describe what was happening when something else interrupted.

Notes on preocuparse in the Imperfect

Preocuparse is regular in the imperfect. Remember the accent only on the 'nosotros' form (preocupábamos).

Example Sentences

  • De niño, me preocupaba por los monstruos.

    As a child, I used to worry about monsters.

    yo

  • Se preocupaban constantemente por el trabajo.

    They were constantly worrying about work.

    ellos/ellas/ustedes

  • Nos preocupábamos si llegabas tarde.

    We used to get worried if you arrived late.

    nosotros

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the preterite for habitual past worry.

    Correct: Me preocupaba cada día.

    Why: The preterite is for one-time events; the imperfect is for ongoing habits or states in the past.

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