resistir Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
resistir — to withstand
Use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'resistiera' or 'resistiese' for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
resistir Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past, expressing wishes, or making polite requests that are often contrary to fact. For example, 'Si resistiera, habría ganado' (If he resisted, he would have won).
Notes on resistir in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Resistir is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (resistiera) or the -se form (resistiese), with the -ra form being more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo resistiera el dolor, habría seguido corriendo.
If I resisted the pain, I would have kept running.
yo
Me pidió que resistiera la tentación.
He asked me to resist the temptation.
yo
Ojalá resistieran las ganas de protestar.
I wish they would resist the urge to protest.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Te ayudaría si resistieses un poco.
I would help you if you resisted a little.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative ('resistía') instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Use 'resistiera' or 'resistiese' after expressions of doubt, desire, or in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
Why: The subjunctive mood is required for these types of clauses, not the indicative.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong one.
Correct: Both 'resistiera' and 'resistiese' are correct, but 'resistiera' is generally more common.
Why: While both are grammatically valid, regional preferences and frequency of use differ.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: resisto
The present tense of resistir, like 'resisto' (I resist) and 'resisten' (they resist), is regular and used for current or habitual actions.
Preterite
yo: resistí
The preterite of resistir, like 'resistí' (I resisted) and 'resistieron' (they resisted), is regular and marks completed past actions.
Imperfect
yo: resistía
The imperfect of resistir, like 'resistía' (I/he/she/it used to resist), describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: resistiré
The future tense of resistir, like 'resistiré' (I will resist), is formed by adding endings to the infinitive.
Conditional
yo: resistiría
The conditional of resistir, like 'resistiría' (I would resist), is used for hypotheticals and polite suggestions.
Present Subjunctive
yo: resista
Use present subjunctive forms like 'resista' (yo/él/ella/usted) and 'resistan' (ellos/ellas/ustedes) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: resiste
Use imperative forms like 'resiste' (tú) and 'resistan' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no resistas
Negative commands like 'no resistas' (tú) use the present subjunctive.