When do you use imperfect subjunctive?

Question

When do you use imperfect subjunctive, and what is the difference between imperfect subjunctive and indicative subjunctive? Please help!

I know like "si pudiera" but I don't really understand when to use it with out the si. - astonmartin, Jun 4, 2011

did you mean...between the imperfect subjunctive and the imperfect indicative past tenses? - 0074b507, Jun 5, 2011

No more of a impefect subjunctive vs. subjunctive - astonmartin, Jun 5, 2011

Answer 1

You use the imperfect subjunctive (el imperfecto de subjuntivo) when the verb in the independent sentence is in a past tense form. Here is an example:

Preterite Tense: No te recomendé que tomaras (tomases) tanto con tus amigos.

Imperfect Tense: No te recomendaba que tomaras (tomases) tanto con tus amigos.

Past Perfect Tense: No te había recomendado que tomaras (tomases) tanto con tus amigos.

Conditional: No te recomendaría que tomaras (tomases) tanto con tus amigos.

Past Progressive: No te estaba recomendando que tomaras (tomases) tanto con tus amigos.

Thanks so much! - astonmartin, Jun 5, 2011

Answer 2

To express subjectivity in the past after the same verbs, impersonal expressions, and conjunctions as the present subjunctive.

For the imperfect subjunctive to be needed, the verb in the main clause has to be in one of the following tenses/moods: preterite, imperfect, conditional, or pluperfect.

Quería que lo hicieras. / I wanted you to do it.

Fue una lástima que no pudiera venir. / It was too bad that he couldn't come.

Yo iría al banco para que tuviéramos dinero. / I would go to the bank so that we'd have money.

I still can't remember this when I am speaking.

I guess I don't talk enough.