sentenciar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

You'll use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or necessity in the past, or in hypothetical 'if' clauses referring to the past or present that are contrary to fact.

Notes on sentenciar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Sentenciar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.

Example Sentences

• Ojalá el juez no sentenciara tan severamente.

  I wish the judge wouldn't sentence so severely.

  él/ella/usted

• Si yo sentenciara, sería más justo.

  If I were to sentence, I would be fairer.

  yo

• Dudaba que ellos sentenciaran a su amigo.

  I doubted they would sentence their friend.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• Era importante que vosotros sentenciarais con cuidado.

  It was important that you all sentenced carefully.

  vosotros

• Le pedí que no sentenciase sin más información.

  I asked him not to sentence without more information.

  él/ella/usted

Common Mistakes

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

  Correct: For hypothetical or past wishes, use 'sentenciara' or 'sentenciase', not 'sentenció'.

  Why: The preterite describes completed past actions, while the imperfect subjunctive deals with non-factual or desired situations.

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

  Correct: Both 'sentenciara' and 'sentenciase' are correct for 'yo', 'él/ella/usted'. Choose one form and be consistent, or be aware that both exist.

  Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences and formality can influence which form is used.

Related Tenses