10.6.4

IR Verbs

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Regular ER Verbs

The imperfect stem is based on the 'ellos/ellas' form of the preterite tense. There are two sets of endings that are both widely used. It does not matter which endings you use, it is down to choice. Here is the example of 'vivir':

Illustrative background for The stemIllustrative background for The stem ?? "content

The stem

  • To form the stem you take the 'ellos/ellas' form of the preterite tense, ending in 'ieron'.
  • You take of the 'on' and add the endings.
  • There are two sets of endings.
Illustrative background for 'Iera' endingsIllustrative background for 'Iera' endings ?? "content

'Iera' endings

  • Viviera - I was living.
  • Vivieras - you were living.
  • Viviera - he/she was living.
  • Viviéramos - we were living.
  • Vivierais - you were living.
  • Vivieran - they were living.
Illustrative background for 'Iese' endingsIllustrative background for 'Iese' endings ?? "content

'Iese' endings

  • Viviese - I was living.
  • Vivieses - you were living.
  • Viviese - he/she was living.
  • Viviésemos - we were living.
  • Vivieseis - you were living.
  • Viviesen - they were living.

Irregular IR Verbs

IR verbs that are irregular in the 'ellos/ellas' form of the preterite tense are irregular in the imperfect subjunctive. They have the same irregular stem as they have in the 'ellos/ellas' form of the preterite tense. Here are some examples:

Illustrative background for 'Pedir'Illustrative background for 'Pedir' ?? "content

'Pedir'

  • Pidiera/pidiese - I was asking for.
  • Pidieras/pidieses - you were asking for.
  • Pidiera/pidiese - he/she was asking for.
  • Pidiéramos/pidiésemos - we were asking for.
  • Pidierais/pidieseis - you were asking for.
  • Pidieran/pidiesen - they were asking for.
Illustrative background for 'Conducir'Illustrative background for 'Conducir' ?? "content

'Conducir'

  • Condujera/condujese - I was driving.
  • Condujeras/condujeses - you were driving.
  • Condujera/condujese - he/she was driving.
  • Condujéramos/condujésemos - we were driving.
  • Condujerais/condujeseis - you were driving.
  • Condujeran/condujesen - they were driving.
Illustrative background for 'Dormir'Illustrative background for 'Dormir' ?? "content

'Dormir'

  • Durmiera/durmiese - I was sleeping.
  • Durmieras/durmieses - you were sleeping.
  • Durmiera/durmiese - he/she was sleeping.
  • Durmiéramos/durmiésemos - we were sleeping.
  • Durmierais/durmieseis - you were sleeping.
  • Durmieran/durmiesen - they were sleeping.
Illustrative background for 'Oír'Illustrative background for 'Oír' ?? "content

'Oír'

  • Oyera/oyese - I used to hear.
  • Oyeras/oyeses - you used to hear.
  • Oyera/oyese - he/she used to hear.
  • Oyéramos/oyésemos - we used to hear.
  • Oyerais/oyeseis - you used to hear.
  • Oyeran/oyesen - they used to hear.

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1The Basics

2Home & Abroad

3Education & Employment

4Personal Life & Relationships

5The World Around Us

6Social Activities, Fitness & Health

7Listening

8Common Tenses

9Important Verbs

10Advanced Tenses

11Extra Grammar

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