rematar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

This tense is great for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or doubts that were happening or relevant in a past context. For 'rematar', it could be used in 'if I had finished...' or 'I wish I had finished...' type of sentences.

Notes on rematar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Rematar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se endings (e.g., rematara or rematase); they are interchangeable.

Example Sentences

• Si yo hubiera rematado el trabajo ayer, hoy estaría libre.

  If I had finished the work yesterday, I would be free today.

  yo

• Ojalá tú remataras la pintura antes de que se seque.

  I hope you finish the painting before it dries.

  tú

• Él actuaría si pensara que podía rematar la tarea a tiempo.

  He would act if he thought he could finish the task on time.

  él/ella/usted

• Nosotros habríamos ganado si hubiéramos rematado el último gol.

  We would have won if we had scored the last goal.

  nosotros

• Ellos habrían protestado si el árbitro hubiera rematado el partido antes de tiempo.

  They would have protested if the referee had ended the match early.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Using the imperfect subjunctive for present wishes.

  Correct: Use 'ojalá remate' (present subjunctive) for a present wish, and 'ojalá rematara' for a past or more hypothetical wish.

  Why: The imperfect subjunctive implies a condition or wish that is less likely or refers to a past context, while the present subjunctive is for more direct or current desires.

• Mistake: Confusing -ra and -se forms with indicative forms.

  Correct: Remember that 'rematara' can be imperfect subjunctive or preterite, but its context usually clarifies. The -se forms like 'rematase' are unambiguously imperfect subjunctive.

  Why: Some forms overlap between tenses, so understanding the sentence structure is key to interpreting the correct mood and tense.

Related Tenses