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Chapter 17: Congiuntivo imperfetto
We use the congiuntivo imperfetto in dependent clauses when the verbs in the main clauses are conjugated in a past tense or in the conditional. It is used in the same way as the present subjunctive, for instance, after verbs of doubts, uncertainty, emotions, desire, after certain conjuctions, after certain impersonal expressions. etc.
The congiuntivo imperfetto is used when the action of the dependent clause occurs at the same time or after the action of the main clause.
Pensavo che Mario fosse a casa adesso. (simultaneous action)
Pensavo che Mario tornasse a casa domani. (subsequent action)
NOTA BENE
Congiuntivo imperfetto is mainly regular. The endings are the same for the three conjugations except for the characteristic vowel preceding the ending (a, e, i).
The first and second person of the singular are the same. To avoid confusion, the personal pronouns is usually stated.
Giulia pensava che tu arrivassi alle 9 del mattino.
Conjugation of regular verbs
[table id=19 /]
Conjugation of essere and avere
[table id=20 /]
Conjugation of irregular verbs
[table id=21 /]