modifique

Modifique is a form of the Spanish verb modificar, meaning to modify or change something. It most often appears as the present subjunctive form used for the first person singular (yo modifique) and the third person singular (él/ella/usted modifique). It is also the affirmative imperative form for the second person singular (usted): Modifique el informe, por favor. The corresponding plural imperative is modifiquen, used for ustedes.

Usage notes

In ordinary speech and writing, modifique appears in subordinate clauses that follow expressions of desire, doubt, necessity, or emotion, for example: Espero que modifique el diseño; Es necesario que usted modifique el plan. It is also used in hypothetical or future-oriented contexts with si, as in: Si modifique su actitud, podría conseguir el puesto. The form is identical to the formal command (usted) and is distinguished through context and punctuation.

Conjugation context

Modifique is part of the present subjunctive system of modificar, a regular -ar verb with a spelling change to preserve the /k/ sound before e. Other forms in the same tense include modifique (yo), modifiques (tú), modifique (él/ella/usted), modifiquemos (nosotros), modifiquéis (vosotros), modifiquen (ellos/ellas/ustedes).

Etymology

The verb originates from Latin modificare, from modus (measure or manner) and the causative suffix -ficare, meaning “to make in a manner.” The form modifique reflects the Spanish present subjunctive morphology.

See also

Modificable, modificador, modificador de texto; related terms in grammar and spelling.