solicitar Imperfect Conjugation
solicitar — to apply for
The imperfect of solicitar (solicitaba, solicitabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past requests/applications.
solicitar Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
Use the imperfect tense to describe actions in the past that were ongoing, repeated, or habitual, without a specific end point. It sets the scene or describes background actions. For 'solicitar,' this could be applying for something regularly or requesting something that was happening over a period.
Notes on solicitar in the Imperfect
Solicitar is regular in the imperfect tense. It follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs, using the stem 'solicit-' and adding the imperfect endings (-aba, -abas, -aba, -ábamos, -abais, -aban).
Example Sentences
Cuando era estudiante, solicitaba muchas becas.
When I was a student, I used to apply for many scholarships.
yo
Ellos solicitaban permiso cada vez que salían.
They requested permission every time they went out.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Tú solicitabas información detallada para tus informes.
You were requesting detailed information for your reports.
tú
Ella solicitaba un trato justo.
She was seeking fair treatment.
él/ella/usted
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect for a single, completed past action.
Correct: Use the preterite for completed actions: 'Solicité el pasaporte' (I applied for the passport). Use imperfect for ongoing/habitual: 'Solicitaba el pasaporte cada año' (I used to apply for the passport every year).
Why: The imperfect describes the background or duration, not the specific event.
Mistake: Confusing imperfect and preterite for 'nosotros'.
Correct: Remember 'solicitábamos' (imperfect) and 'solicitamos' (preterite) are distinct.
Why: Like in the present tense, context is key, but the endings are different.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: solicito
The present tense of solicitar (solicito, solicitas, etc.) describes current actions, habits, or general truths about applying/requesting.
Preterite
yo: solicité
The preterite of solicitar is regular: solicité, solicitaste, solicitó, solicitamos, solicitasteis, solicitaron.
Future
yo: solicitaré
The future tense of solicitar (solicitaré, solicitarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: solicitaría
The conditional of solicitar (solicitaría, solicitarías, etc.) expresses 'would' actions, polite requests, or future-in-the-past.
Present Subjunctive
yo: solicite
The present subjunctive of solicitar (solicite, solicites, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or influence.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: solicitara
The imperfect subjunctive of solicitar (solicitara/solicitase) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: solicita
Use the imperative of solicitar for direct commands: solicita (tú), solicite (usted), etc.
Negative Imperative
yo: no solicites
Negative commands for solicitar use the present subjunctive: no solicites (tú), no solicite (usted), etc.