Enfocabamos

Enfocabamos is not a standard form in the Spanish verb conjugation. The correct imperfect indicative first-person plural of enfocar is enfocábamos, meaning “we were focusing” or “we used to focus.” Enfocabamos is a common misspelling or nonstandard variation that does not appear in normative dictionaries.

Etymology and meaning: Enfocar comes from the noun foco (focus) with the prefix en-, giving the meaning “to focus” or “to direct attention or aim.” The verb is widely used with physical objects (for example, camera lenses) and with abstract targets (for example, a problem or an audience).

Usage and forms: Enfocar is a regular -car verb. In the imperfect tense the first-person plural form is enfocábamos. This form is used to describe ongoing past actions or states, such as focusing a device or concentrating attention over an extended period. Examples: Enfocábamos la cámara para obtener una imagen clara. Enfocábamos nuestra atención en el objetivo de la reunión.

Common confusion and notes: The form enfocabamos would be an orthographic error, since -car verbs in the imperfect take the ending -cábamos, as in enfocábamos. Learners should use enfocábamos (not enfocabamos) to express the past ongoing action of focusing.

See also: enfocar, foco, enfoque, concentración, atención.