rebotar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

The imperfect subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or polite requests that didn't happen or are uncertain. For example, 'Si la pelota rebotara más alto, jugaríamos mejor' means 'If the ball bounced higher, we would play better'.

Notes on rebotar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Rebotar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra (rebotara) and -se (rebotase) endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá la pelota rebotara más alto.

  I wish the ball would bounce higher.

  yo

• Me gustaría que tú rebotaras la pelota con la mano izquierda.

  I would like you to bounce the ball with your left hand.

  tú

• Si el niño rebotara menos la pelota, no molestaría.

  If the child bounced the ball less, he wouldn't bother anyone.

  él/ella/usted

• Era importante que rebotáramos la pelota en equipo.

  It was important that we bounced the ball as a team.

  nosotros

• Los entrenadores pidieron que rebotaran la pelota con más fuerza.

  The coaches asked that they bounce the ball with more force.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive, like 'Si la pelota rebotó más alto...'.

  Correct: Use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si la pelota rebotara más alto...'.

  Why: Conditional or hypothetical situations in the past require the imperfect subjunctive.

• Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong one for the region.

  Correct: Both 'rebotara' and 'rebotase' are correct, but 'rebotara' is generally more common. Stick to one form for consistency.

  Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences exist. Using -ra forms is often safer.

Related Tenses