retomar Imperfect Conjugation
retomar — to resume
The imperfect 'retomaba' describes past habits or ongoing actions of resuming.
retomar Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
Use the imperfect to describe actions of resuming that were habitual or ongoing in the past, or to set the scene. For example, 'Cada verano retomaba mis clases de guitarra' (Every summer I resumed my guitar lessons) or 'Mientras retomaba el hilo, se quedó dormido' (While he was resuming the thread, he fell asleep).
Notes on retomar in the Imperfect
Retomar is regular in the imperfect tense.
Example Sentences
Yo retomaba mis estudios cada enero.
I used to resume my studies every January.
yo
Tú retomabas el trabajo sin quejarte.
You used to resume work without complaining.
tú
Él retomaba sus apuntes antes de cada examen.
He used to resume his notes before each exam.
él/ella/usted
Ellos retomaban la conversación a menudo.
They often resumed the conversation.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite for a habitual past action (e.g., 'Retomé mis estudios cada enero').
Correct: Use the imperfect: 'Retomaba mis estudios cada enero'.
Why: The imperfect is for repeated or habitual actions in the past, while the preterite is for single, completed events.
Mistake: Confusing imperfect and preterite when describing a past action interrupted by another.
Correct: The ongoing action uses imperfect: 'Retomaba cuando sonó el teléfono'.
Why: The imperfect sets the background or ongoing action, which is then interrupted by a completed action in the preterite.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: retomo
The present tense 'retomo' describes habitual actions or things happening now.
Preterite
yo: retomé
The preterite of 'retomar' is regular: retomé, retomaste, retomó, retomamos, retomasteis, retomaron.
Future
yo: retomaré
The future tense 'retomaré' indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: retomaría
The conditional 'retomaría' expresses hypothetical actions ('would resume').
Present Subjunctive
yo: retome
The present subjunctive 'retome' is used for wishes, doubts, and emotions about resuming something.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: retomara
The imperfect subjunctive 'retomara' or 'retomase' is used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: retoma
Use imperative forms like 'retoma' (tú) and 'retome' (usted) for direct commands with 'retomar'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no retomes
Negative commands with 'retomar' use the present subjunctive, like 'no retomes' (tú) and 'no retome' (usted).