The imperfect subjunctive is one of the most frequently used and, at first glance, most elusive verb forms in Latin.
1. Formation
Take the present active infinitive of any verb and add the personal endings of the imperfect tense.
| Verb | Present Infinitive | Imperfect Subjunctive | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| amo | amāre | amārem, amārēs, amāret… | I might love |
| moneo | monēre | monērem, monērēs, monēret… | I might warn |
| rego | regere | regerem, regerēs, regeret… | I might rule |
| audio | audīre | audīrem, audīrēs, audīret… | I might hear |
| sum | esse | essem, essēs, esset… | I might be |
So the key marker is the infinitive + personal endings:
amāre + m = amārem,
esse + m = essem,
audīre + s = audīrēs, etc.
2. Basic sense
The imperfect subjunctive normally represents an action viewed as hypothetical, uncertain, or dependent on something else — often in past or unreal contexts.
It often means “might,” “would,” “should,” or “could.”
It’s the subjunctive of potential or dependent action, not factual narrative.
3. Main Uses
Let’s take them one by one with examples.
A. In dependent clauses after past verbs
When the main verb is past, any subordinate clause that would normally take a present subjunctive switches to the imperfect subjunctive.
Rule: Sequence of tenses — Past → Imperfect subjunctive.
Examples:
- Rogavit ut venīrem. — “He asked that I come / should come.”
(Present ut veniām → becomes venīrem after a past verb.) - Timebam ne caderes. — “I was afraid that you might fall.”
So:
Present subjunctive → used after a present main verb.
Imperfect subjunctive → used after a past main verb.
B. In conditional (“if”) sentences – unreal or hypothetical
Used in contrary-to-fact conditions referring to the present.
Si venires, laetus essem. — “If you were to come, I would be happy.”
(But you are not coming.)
Both clauses use the imperfect subjunctive to express unreality in the present.
C. In purpose clauses after a past tense
Veni ut te viderem. — “I came in order that I might see you.”
(ut videam → ut viderem after past main verb.)
D. In result clauses after a past tense
Tam fessus erat ut dormīret. — “He was so tired that he fell asleep.”
(Compare: tam fessus est ut dormiat with a present main verb.)
E. In indirect questions after past tenses
Rogavit quid facerem. — “He asked what I was doing / should do.”
(Compare rogat quid faciam with a present main verb.)
F. In indirect commands after past tenses
Imperavit ut starent. — “He ordered them to stand.”
(Compare imperat ut stent.)
G. In potential or polite expressions
Sometimes in independent clauses — giving a sense of mild possibility or wish:
- Diceres eum stultum. — “You would say he’s a fool.”
- Velim adesses. (present) → Vellem adesses. — “I wish you were here.”
4. In brief: Sequence of Tenses Table
| Main Verb Time | Subordinate Clause (simultaneous / later) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present / Future | Present subjunctive | Rogat ut veniām — He asks that I come. |
| Past (Imperfect, Perfect, Pluperfect) | Imperfect subjunctive | Rogavit ut venīrem — He asked that I come. |
5. Summary of Function
| Use | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose clause (after past) | Venit ut me videret. | He came to see me. |
| Result clause (after past) | Tam stultus fuit ut rideres. | He was so foolish that you laughed. |
| Indirect command | Imperavit ut manerent. | He ordered them to stay. |
| Indirect question | Rogavit quid facerem. | He asked what I was doing. |
| Condition (unreal) | Si venires, gauderem. | If you came, I’d be glad. |
| Wish / potential | Utinam viveres! | If only you were alive! |
6. Mnemonic summary
The imperfect subjunctive looks back from a past point of view.
- After past verbs → use -rem, -res, -ret forms.
- In “if” clauses → unreal in the present.
- In “ut / ne” clauses → purpose or result after a past.
- Meaning often: “might, would, should, could.”