regular Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire in the past, or in 'if' clauses referring to hypothetical situations that were unlikely or contrary to fact in the past.

Notes on regular in the Imperfect Subjunctive

'Regular' is a regular -ar verb in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (regulara, regularas, regulara, reguláramos, regularais, regularan) is more common and generally preferred.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá regulara el gobierno los precios de la vivienda.

  I wish the government would regulate housing prices.

  él/ella/usted

• Si yo regulara mi tiempo mejor, tendría más éxito.

  If I regulated my time better, I would have more success.

  yo

• Me pidió que no regulara el sonido tan alto.

  He asked me not to regulate the sound so loud.

  yo

• Era importante que ustedes regularan el presupuesto.

  It was important that you all regulated the budget.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Dudaba que él regulara sus gastos conscientemente.

  I doubted that he regulated his expenses consciously.

  él/ella/usted

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: Use 'regulara' or 'regularan', not 'reguló' or 'regulaba'.

  Why: Subjunctive mood is needed for doubt, wishes, and hypothetical conditions.

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

  Correct: While both exist, stick to the -ra forms (regulara, regularas, regularan) for simplicity and common usage.

  Why: Learners might mix up the endings or use the less common -se forms incorrectly.

Related Tenses