Subjuntivo Pretérito Imperfecto

The subjuntivo is a form that we don't have in English. This form is a special feature of the Romance languages ​​and thus also of Spanish. The biggest challenge with the subjunctive is always knowing whether to use the subjunctive or the indicative. In general, we use the indicativo for facts and real things.

The subjuntivo pretérito imperfecto, on the other hand, is used in subordinate clauses that refer to the past. For example, to express a wish (which is mostly introduced with some signal words like e.g. ojalá), but also to show your own feelings and a subjective reaction (which is mostly done with verbs like gustar , encantar, detestar etc. is initiated). But we also use this form to express doubt and uncertainty (like no podían creer que tuvieras un hijo).

Compared to the Subjuntivo De Presente, the Subjuntivo Pretérito Imperfecto is used for past actions.
To form the Subjuntivo Pretérito Imperfecto, we use the 3rd person plural of the Pretérito Indefinido (Estudiaron, hicieron) as the stem and remove the ending and add the appropriate endings.