A Theoretical and Practical Grammar of the Spanish Language. 1st Lond. Ed (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833 edition. Excerpt: ... to notice another matter of the highest importance, connected with the subjunctive mode in Spanish; which is, that a Verh in the imperfect tense of this mode, always ends in one or other of the terminations ra, ria or se; and it is a matter of great difficulty to explain by precept, when to employ the one, and when the other of these terminations, inasmuch as they are not only not equivalent in their signification collectively, but they often vary in their meaning individually: it is nevertheless hoped, that due attention to the following observations, will, in a great measure, enable the student to surmount one of the greatest obstacles peculiar to the Spanish language. 1. When a Verb in the imperfect of the subjunctive, is not preceded by a conditional Conjunction, either of the terminations ra, or ria, may be employed: Ex. Estrano fuera or seria que lo di-It would be strange that he should gese, say so. Yo quisiera or querria que vmd. I would wish you to come. Tiuiese, In these examples, it is likewise observed, that the termination se, is employed in the second member of the sentence, which is generally the case, when the first member begins without a conditional Conjunction. II. When the Verb in the imperfect of the subjunctive, is preceded by a conditional Conjunction, such as si, sino, aunque, Ifc., if, but, although, &c., or by an Interjection expressive of desire, the termination ra or se is employed; and ria is generally used with the Verb in the second member of the sentence: Ex. Si tuviera or tuviese dinero, com-If I had money, I would buy praria libros, books. Aunque estuvieran or estuviesen Although they might be there, I alli Do los hablaria, would not speak to them. Ojala viniera or viniese, Would to God he would...