Present Subjunctive vs. Imperfect Subjunctive

Question

In lesson 3.11 concerning the imperfect subjunctive, one of the examples given is:

"Ojalá que nevara en Costa Rica mañana." (imperfect subjunctive)

My question is: Is this actually correct, or would the correct way of saying this be: "Ojalá que nieve en Costa Rica mañana." ? (present subjunctive)

It seems odd to me to use the past (imperfect) subjunctive --rather than the present or future -- to talk about something that may happen TOMORROW.

Any good explanations out there? Thanks

I guess another question would be: Is it INCORRECT to use the present subjunctive in this case, or does it make no difference? - kurtjohnson, Oct 1, 2009

Answer 1

Imperfect subjunctive can also be used to talk about highly unlikely situations in the future with Ojalá (it means that you still hope for this):

Ojalá que nevara/nevase en Panamá mañana. (I hope it snows in Panama tomorrow/If only it would snow in Panama tomorrow.)

Ojalá mi hermano se casara/casase. (I wish my brother would get married/If only he would get married.)

And have a look at this grammar reference on imperfect subjunctive

Thanks for your input. I had already consulted the grammar reference. But I am still left wondering why it would be INCORRECT to use the present or future subjunctive in this case -- or would it? - kurtjohnson, Oct 1, 2009

Answer 2

already answered.