relevar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, or to express wishes, doubts, or emotions about past events. It often appears in 'if' clauses referring to unreal situations.

Notes on relevar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Relevar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (relevara) or the -se form (relevase). The -ra form is generally more common.

Example Sentences

• Si yo pudiera, te relevara del turno.

  If I could, I would relieve you of the shift.

  yo

• Me gustaría que tú me relevaras más a menudo.

  I would like you to relieve me more often.

  tú

• Dudaba que él pudiera relevar al jefe a tiempo.

  I doubted that he could relieve the boss on time.

  él/ella/usted

• Era importante que ellos relevaran sus puestos antes del mediodía.

  It was important that they relieve their posts before noon.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: For hypothetical or uncertain past situations, use 'relevara' (imperfect subjunctive) instead of 'relevaba' (imperfect indicative).

  Why: The indicative mood states facts or describes ongoing past actions, while the subjunctive is for doubt, desire, and unreal conditions.

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

  Correct: Both 'relevara' and 'relevase' are correct for the imperfect subjunctive, but 'relevara' is often more common.

  Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional and stylistic preferences exist.

Related Tenses