Verbs – The Past Subjunctive Tense

Summary of contents – Lesson 11

1-     When the past subjunctive tense is used and how it compares to how it is used in English.

2-     Looking at how verb endings are formed in the past subjunctive tense with regular verbs. (Two different methods).

3-     A look at some irregular verbs in the past subjunctive tense and how the formation of verb stems mirror those of the past simple (preterite), tense.

4-     A look at how the past subjunctive tense is used with ‘if statements’ and when the present simple tense might be used instead.

Aims of the lesson

1-     Understanding when the past subjunctive tense is used in conversation and in what types of situations. (Hypothetical constructions.)

2-     Understanding how verbs in the past subjunctive tense are formed. Being able to identify common stem changes with those of the past simple (preterite), tense. Knowing how to form verb ending using both formation methods and appreciating when each may be used in the real world!

3-     Being able to formulate sentences in the past subjunctive tense when using ‘if statements’ and comparing these to ‘if statements’ in the present simple tense.