rebasar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
rebasar — to overtake
The imperfect subjunctive (rebasara/rebasase) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or politeness.
rebasar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, expressing a wish that something *would* happen, or making a very polite request in the past. For 'rebasar,' imagine saying 'If only I could overtake...' or 'I wish you would pass...'.
Notes on rebasar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Rebasar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra (rebasara) and -se (rebasase) forms are correct, though -ra is generally more common.
Example Sentences
Si yo rebasara el límite, me multarían.
If I were to exceed the limit, they would fine me.
yo
Ojalá tú rebasaras tus miedos.
I wish you would overcome your fears.
tú
Nos pidieron que no rebasáramos la zona de seguridad.
They asked us not to go past the safety zone.
nosotros
Ellos actuaron como si rebasaran la paciencia.
They acted as if they were testing patience.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect subjunctive for a completed past action.
Correct: For a completed action like 'He overtook me yesterday,' use the preterite: 'Me rebasó'. The imperfect subjunctive is for hypotheticals or wishes.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive describes unreal or hypothetical situations, not definite events.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'rebasara' and 'rebasase' are correct for 'yo', as are 'rebasaras' and 'rebasases' for 'tú', etc. Stick to one set if unsure.
Why: While interchangeable in most regions, using both forms inconsistently can sound awkward.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: rebaso
The present tense of rebasar (rebaso, rebasas, rebasa...) is used for current actions, habits, or general truths.
Preterite
yo: rebasé
The preterite of rebasar is regular: rebasé, rebasaste, rebasó, rebasamos, rebasasteis, rebasaron.
Imperfect
yo: rebasaba
The imperfect of rebasar (rebasaba, rebasabas...) describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: rebasaré
The future tense of rebasar (rebasaré, rebasarás...) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: rebasaría
The conditional of rebasar (rebasaría, rebasarías...) expresses hypothetical actions ('would overtake') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: rebase
Use the present subjunctive (rebase, rebases) after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: rebasa
Use imperative forms like 'rebasa' (tú) and 'rebasen' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no rebases
Use 'no + present subjunctive' for negative commands like 'no rebases' (tú) or 'no rebasen' (ustedes).