Mixing Tenses in 'If' Clauses

When you use 'Si' (if) to talk about an unlikely or impossible situation, the verb immediately following 'Si' must be in this special form ('tuvieras'), and the result must use the conditional ('tendrías').

The 'If' Rule for Hypotheses

'Tuvieras' is strictly the informal 'you' (tú). If you were speaking formally, you would use 'tuviera' (Si usted tuviera...).

Tú vs. Usted

Notice how 'tuvieras' uses the stem 'tuv-' instead of 'ten-'. This irregular pattern is used for many past tenses of the verb 'tener' (to have).

The Irregular Stem

The imperfect subjunctive has two correct forms: 'tuvieras' and 'tuvieses'. They mean the exact same thing. 'Tuvieras' is generally more common across the Spanish-speaking world.

Choosing Between Forms

A highly frequent verb form, essential for expressing complex ideas, particularly hypothetical situations and past wishes.

'Tuvieras' is the tú-form of the Imperfect Subjunctive of the verb 'tener' (to have). Learn how to use 'tuvieras' to express hypothetical situations ('if you had') and past desires or commands in Spanish.

tuvieras

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations