Past Subjunctive

Formation of the Past Subjunctive

• 1. Conjugate any verby in the 3rd person plural of the preterite:– hablaron – tuvieron

• 2. Remove –ron from ending– habla– tuvie

• 3. Add the following endings (-AR, -ER, and –IR Verbs)– ra, ras, ra, ‘ramos, ran

• hablara, hablaras, hablara, habláramos, hablaran• tuviera, tuvieras, tuviera, tuviéramos, tuvieran

Past Subjunctive: Alternative Form

• Some add these alternative endings:– se, ses, se, semos, sen• hablase, hablases, hablase, hablásemos, hablasen• tuviese, tuvieses, tuviese, tuviésemos, tuviesen

No Irregulars

• There are no irregulars in the past subjunctive, but be aware of the irregulars in the 3rd person plural of the preterite tense:– pedir: pidieron– dormir: durmieron– influir: influyeron– saber: supieron– ir/ser: fueron– etc. etc. etc.

Use of Past Subjunctive

• Used the same as the present subjunctive, but the point of reference is in the past. When the main clause triggers the subjunctive, but is written in the past tense, then the past subjunctive must be used in the subordinate clause.

Present Time Past Time

Ellos sugieren que vayamos a la fiesta.

Ellos sugirieron que fuéramos a la fiesta.

Espero que no tengan problemas con ella.

Esperaba que no tuvieran problemas con ella.

Necesitamos un presidente que apoye la causa.

Necesitábamos un presidente que apoyara la causa.

Quisiera

• Used to soften statements and to make requests in a very polite manner.– Quisiera que me llames esta noche.• I would like you to call me tonight

– Quisiera hablar con usted.• I would like to speak with you.