Is it correct to use the imperfect subjunctive after que and the conditional tense

Question

I was told that because the conditional is considered a past tense that we need to use the imperfect subjunctive after que and a trigger verb for the subjunctive

Here are some examples: yo peferiría que estudiaras medicina en la universidad Yo insistiría que no hicieras trampa pero sé que no vas a escucharme

Thank you for your help

Hi Lazarillo. Please complete your profile information, especially as it pertains to language. This enables us to help you . - rac1, Jun 2, 2014

Please do as rac 1 suggests. - ray76, Jun 2, 2014

Answer 1

yo preferiría que estudiaras medicina en la universidad

Yes ,I believe your sentence is correct: you need the imperfect subjunctive here. You have two different subjects with two different verbs one in each clause separated by the relative pronoun que.

I prefer you to study medicine at university/in the university

The present subjunctive is used after the present tense where a present or future meaning is implied:

Espero que llegue mañana = I hope that she comes (literally: arrives) tomorrow.

The imperfect subjunctive is used when a past meaning is intended, tt is used with the conditional inducative.

eg ¡Viajaría por todo el mundo si tuviera mucho más dinero!.

I would travel around the world if I had much (or a lot ) more money!

insistiría que no hicieras trampa pero sé que no vas a escucharme

I would insist that you didn't cheat but I know that you are not going to listen to me.

Yes, I believe that this second sentence of yours should also be written using the imperfect subjunctive

I hope this helps

Corrijan mi español, por favor