retomar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
retomar — to resume
The imperfect subjunctive 'retomara' or 'retomase' is used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
retomar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Think of this tense for 'if only...' or 'I wish that...' scenarios in the past, or in conditional sentences referring to past possibilities. For example, 'Ojalá retomara el contacto con su familia' (I wish he would resume contact with his family). It's also used after certain conjunctions in the past.
Notes on retomar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Retomar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (retomara) or the -se form (retomase), though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo retomara el proyecto, necesitaría más ayuda.
If I were to resume the project, I would need more help.
yo
Él actuaba como si no retomara sus viejas costumbres.
He acted as if he weren't resuming his old habits.
él/ella/usted
Ojalá ustedes retomaran la llamada.
I wish you all would resume the call.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Nos pidieron que retomáramos la investigación.
They asked us to resume the investigation.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'Si retomé').
Correct: Use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si retomara'.
Why: Hypothetical or counterfactual situations in the past require the imperfect subjunctive.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong ending.
Correct: Both 'retomara' and 'retomase' are correct, but ensure the endings match the pronoun (e.g., 'retomaras' for tú).
Why: Learners might mix up the endings or default to one form incorrectly.
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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.
Imperfect
yo: retomaba
The imperfect 'retomaba' describes past habits or ongoing actions of resuming.
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.
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).