Imperfect Past Subjunctive
When to use the imperfect past subjunctive
Very often, the imperfect past subjunctive is used in a subordinate clause (a group of words that contains a subject and a verb) where the main clause has its verb in the imperfect past or conditional. These clauses are usually connected by the word “que” (that/which/who) or “se” (if).
For example: “Eu ia se tivesse tempo” (I would go if I had time).
- The main clause has the verb in the imperfect past: eu ia (I would go)
- The conjunction connects the two clauses: “se” (if)
- The subordinate clause has the verb in the imperfect subjunctive: tivesse tempo (I had time)
When to use the imperfect past subjunctive
The sentence would mean exactly the same if the verb of the main clause was in the conditional: “Eu iria se tivesse tempo” (I would go if I had time).
The rest of this lesson is for Plus members
Se eu fosse, embora estudasse, talvez devêssemos. The Portuguese imperfect subjunctive for wishes, hypotheticals, doubt and contrast, and how to form it.
- Level B2