usáramos

Usáramos is the first-person plural form of the imperfect subjunctive of the Spanish verb usar, meaning “to use.” It is a grammatical variant used in subordinate clauses to express hypothetical, uncertain, or counterfactual situations in the past. Depending on context, it can be translated as “that we used” or more naturally as “if we were to use.”

Morphology and variants: Usáramos is formed by taking the stem of usar and adding the imperfect-subjunctive ending -áramos. In many dialects this form has a synonym: usásemos. Both forms are standard in different Spanish-speaking regions, with minor regional preference. The form is typically found in dependent clauses after expressions that require the imperfect subjunctive, such as si (if), como si (as if), or after verbs and expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity in the past.

Usage notes: Usáramos appears in past-time hypothetical constructions, counterfactual statements, or wishes about past or general past situations. It is more common in formal writing and in contexts that preserve literary or traditional grammar. In everyday speech, speakers may prefer alternative subjunctive constructions or simplify to present-tense equivalents when appropriate.

Examples: "Si usáramos menos agua, ahorraríamos recursos." "Quisiera que usáramos el método tradicional." "Actuaban como si usáramos una técnica nueva." These illustrate the typical environments where usáramos appears.

See also: Spanish imperfect subjunctive, Spanish verb usar, subjunctive in conditional clauses.