Imperfect subjunctive (past subjunctive / preterite imperfect)

Question 1

How is imperfect used for ‘if’ clauses?

Answer 1

• the verb following the ‘if’/’si’ is subjunctive

- the other verb is in the conditional.

Question 2

I was scared it wouldn’t rain

Answer 2

Tenía miedo de que no lloviera.

Question 3

It was exciting that Maria would read the newspaper to me

Answer 3

Era emocionante que Maria me leyera el periódico.

Question 4

It was necessary for Jaime to read this book.

Answer 4

Era necesario que Jaime leyera este libro.

Question 5

It was strange that I got a present because it wasn’t my birthday.

Answer 5

Fue extraño que recibiera un regalo porque no era mi cumpleaños.

Question 6

My doctor recommended that I drink more water

Answer 6

Mi médico me recomendó que bebiera más agua.

Question 7

I wasn’t sure my mother would come.

Answer 7

No estaba seguro de que mi madre viniera.

Question 8

I didn’t think he had my phone number

Answer 8

No creí que él tuviera mi número de teléfono.

Question 9

I was going to lend him money so he would buy a coat.

Answer 9

Le iba a prestar dinero para que se comprara un abrigo.

Question 10

It’s good that he got married

Answer 10

Es bueno que él se casara.

Question 11

It doesn’t seem to me that the journey was long.

Answer 11

No me parece que el viaje fuera largo.

Question 12

I wish it were snowing in Panama

Answer 12

Ojalá que nevara en Panamá.

Question 13

I wish I won the lottery

Answer 13

¡Ojala me ganara la lotería!

Question 14

I wish I could rest tomorrow

Answer 14

¡Ojalá pudiera descansar mañana!

Question 15

I wish my brother were getting married

Answer 15

Ojalá mi hermano se casara.

Question 16

If I were queen, I would travel all over the world

Answer 16

Si yo fuera reina, viajaría por todo el mundo.

Question 17

I would paint more often if I had more time

Answer 17

Pintaría más seguido si tuviera más tiempo.

Question 18

If you did not smoke, you would not be sick

Answer 18

Si no fumaras, no estarías enfermo.

Question 19

If I worked harder I would get promoted

Answer 19

Si trabajara más duro, me promoverían.

Question 20

I would like two weeks of vacation.

Answer 20

Quisiera dos semanas de vacaciones.

Question 21

Could you (Ud.) bring me my purse, please?

Answer 21

¿Pudiera traerme mi cartera, por favor?

Question 22

I wanted you to come to my party.

Answer 22

Quise que vinieras a mi fiesta.