Conserváramos

Conserváramos is the first-person plural form of the imperfect subjunctive of the Spanish verb conservar. It appears in subordinate clauses that require the imperfect subjunctive, typically in hypothetical, counterfactual, or polite constructions. The form is used to express nonreal or uncertain situations in present or future time, or to describe past contexts in conditional sentences.

In terms of morphology, the imperfect subjunctive for -ar verbs has two common sets of endings. For nosotros, the -ra variant yields conserváramos, while the -se variant yields conservásemos. Both forms are correct and widely understood; regional preferences vary by country and style.

Usage examples include: "Si conserváramos más recursos, podríamos garantizar el futuro" (a hypothetical present/future situation in a si clause); "Quisiera que conserváramos estas pruebas" (a polite or wishful subordinate clause); and "Aunque conserváramos menos, no sería suficiente" (another hypothetical context). The form is typically found after verbs of deseo, duda, posibilidad, necesidad, or in condiciones condicionales.

Regional variation is common in the imperfect subjunctive. In many dialects of Spain and Latin America, conserváramos is common, though conservásemos is also widely accepted, especially in Spain. The choice between -ra and -se endings does not usually affect meaning, but it can reflect regional or stylistic preferences.

Etymologically, conserváramos derives from conservar, with the standard imperfect subjunctive endings added. As a nonfinite past tense form, it is distinct from the gerund or participle forms and is not used outside subordinate clauses requiring the subjunctive.

See also: conservar, imperfect subjunctive, si clauses, Spanish verb conjugation.