obtuviera

Obtuviera is the imperfect subjunctive form of the Spanish verb obtener. It is used in dependent clauses to express doubt, possibility, wishes, or hypothetical situations in the past. In this mood, the form corresponds to the first- and third-person singular (yo, él/ella/usted).

Formation and variants: The imperfect subjunctive is formed from the third-person plural preterite of the indicative, here obtuvo- (obtuvieron). By dropping the -ron and adding the subjunctive endings, the common forms are: yo obtuviera, tú obtuvieras, él obtuviera, nosotros obtuviéramos, vosotros obtuvierais, ellos obtuvieran. There is also a variant ending in -se, yielding obtuviese, obtuvieses, obtuviese, etc. The two variants (-ra and -se) are both correct; usage varies by dialect and register.

Usage notes: Obtuviera is frequently found in si-clauses and in contexts requiring the past subjunctive after expressions of doubt or probability, such as “esperaba que obtuviera el empleo” or “si yo obtuviera el título, podría trabajar.” It can occur with verbs of desire or emotion in the past (ojalá que obtuviera) and in reported speech referring to past possibilities. In many spoken varieties, the -ra form is more common, while the -se form remains a standard alternative.

See also: obtener, subjuntivo imperfecto, obtuviese.