aplicaran

aplicaran is a form of the Spanish verb aplicar, specifically the imperfect subjunctive in the third-person plural. This form is used in subordinate clauses that require the subjunctive and can convey hypothetical, uncertain, or non-real past situations, as well as wishes in past contexts. In contemporary Spanish, the imperfect subjunctive is common in formal writing and in literature, though the present subjunctive is more frequent in everyday speech.

Morphology and formation: the imperfect subjunctive endings for -ar verbs are -ara, -aras, -ara, -áramos, -arais, -aran. The form aplicaran is constructed from the third-person plural preterite of aplicar, aplicaron, by removing -ron and adding -aran. It has a parallel set of form endings with the -se variant (aplicaranse) in its corresponding se-forms, though the -ra forms are far more commonly used in standard text.

Usage and nuance: aplicaran can appear in sentences such as “Si ellos aplicaran las normas, los resultados serían más fiables” or “Era necesario que ellos aplicaran las instrucciones con cuidado.” It signals speculation, hypothetical outcomes, or actions viewed from a past context within a sequence of events. It is distinct from aplicaré, aplicarán or aplicaron, which express different tenses or moods.

Etymology: the verb aplicar derives from Latin applicare, formed from ad- plus plicare, meaning to place, fasten, or apply. The specific form aplicaran reflects regular -ar verb conjugation patterns in the imperfect subjunctive.

See also: conjugation of aplicar; imperfect subjunctive in Spanish; conditional and hypothetical constructions.