07.04.26: Level 3+; Subjunctive [13] the tenses [3] imperfect subjunctive [i]

The imperfect subjunctive is used widely in many different categories of subjunctive usage and will be referred to repeatedly when other subjunctive uses are discussed. It is important, therefore, to become familiar with it. Points to note: [i] it is easy to recognise [ii] it is easy to form, and [iii] all verbs – no exceptions – are formed in the same way.

[1] The present infinitive of the verb:

1^st: amāre

2^nd: habēre

3^rd: vīvere

3^rd-iō: capere

4^th: audīre

[2] + the personal endings; the only slight difference is that, in the 2^nd singular and the 1^st and 2^nd plural, the /e/ of the original infinitive ending lengthens > /ē/*

amārem

amārēs*

amāret

amārēmus*

amārētis*

amārent

Similarly:

habērem, habērēs etc.

vīverem, vīverēs etc.

caperem, caperēs etc.

audīrem, audīrēs etc.

That system of infinitive + personal ending applies to all verbs, even irregular ones:

eō, īre: go > imperfect subjunctive: īrem, īrēs, īret, īrēmus, īrētis, īrent

sum, esse: be > imperfect subjunctive: essem, essēs, esset, essemus, essetis, essent

possum, posse: be able > imperfect subjunctive: possem, possēs, posset, possēmus, possētis, possent

volō, velle: want > imperfect subjunctive: vellem, vellēs, vellet, vellēmus, vellētis, vellent

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