Confusing 'sostener' and 'tener'

Like its root verb 'tener', the 'yo' form in the present tense is irregular: 'yo sostengo'. This 'g' carries over into the present subjunctive.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

Remember the irregular stem 'sostuv-' for the preterite (simple past) tense, which is similar to 'tener' (tuve). This is essential for formal writing.

Using the Past Tense

Extremely common. Used frequently in both physical and abstract contexts.

When used to assert an idea, 'sostener' is often followed by 'que' and a statement in the indicative mood (normal verb form), since it expresses certainty: 'Sostengo que tienes razón' (I maintain that you are right).

Common Structure

This meaning is often used in news, academic papers, or formal debates. It sounds more sophisticated than simply saying 'creer' (to believe) or 'decir' (to say).

Formal Language

Very common, especially in academic or professional discussions.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

When you use 'sostenerse,' the action reflects back onto the person or thing doing it. It means 'to support oneself' or 'to cling to something' (e.g., 'me sostengo' = I support myself).

Reflexive Use

Common when describing stability or enduring difficulties.

Learn the Spanish verb 'sostener,' meaning 'to hold up,' 'to support,' or 'to maintain/assert an argument.' Includes full conjugation tables and usage examples for all levels.

Sostener Meaning, Conjugation, and Usage | Inklingo

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The conditional uses the 'sostend-' stem: sostendría, sostendrías, sostendría, sostendríamos, sostendríais, sostendrían.

Sostener adds a 'd' to the stem: sostendré, sostendrás, sostendrá, sostendremos, sostendréis, sostendrán.

The informal command is 'sostén'; others use the 'sosteng-' stem.

Sostener is regular in the imperfect: sostenía, sostenías, sostenía, sosteníamos, sosteníais, sostenían.

The imperfect subjunctive uses the 'sostuv-' stem: sostuviera, sostuvieras, sostuviera, sostuviéramos, sostuvierais, sostuvieran.

Negative commands always use the present subjunctive forms: no sostengas, no sostenga, no sostengamos, no sostengáis, no sostengan.

Sostener follows the 'tener' pattern: it has a 'go' in the yo form and a stem change (e to ie) for most others.

The present subjunctive is based on the 'sosteng-' stem: sostenga, sostengas, sostenga, sostengamos, sostengáis, sostengan.

Sostener uses the irregular 'uv' stem: sostuve, sostuviste, sostuvo, sostuvimos, sostuvisteis, sostuvieron.

sostener

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

present

imperative

affirmative

negative

indicative

imperfect

conditional

present

preterite

future

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