Obligaba

Obligaba is a Spanish verb meaning "he/she/it obliged" or "he/she/it forced." It is the imperfect indicative form of the verb obligar, which means to oblige, compel, or force. This tense is used to describe actions that were habitual or ongoing in the past, or to set the scene for a past event.

For example, in a sentence like "El rey obligaba a sus súbditos a pagar impuestos," the verb obligaba indicates a past, ongoing action where the king habitually forced his subjects to pay taxes. It suggests that this was a regular occurrence and not a single, isolated event. The imperfect tense is often used in contrast to the preterite tense, which would describe a completed action in the past.

The verb obligar can be used in various contexts, from legal or formal situations to more common instances of persuasion or coercion. The imperfect form obligaba highlights the duration or repetition of such actions in the past. Understanding this verb form is crucial for comprehending Spanish narratives and historical accounts that describe past circumstances and actions.