como si + imperfect subjunctive
as if
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
as if
como si always takes imperfect (or pluperfect) subjunctive: Habla como si supiera todo. Nunca como si + present.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Hypothetical Behavior
Use imperfect subjunctive for current imagined actions.
Habla de política como si supiera todo.
He talks about politics as if he knew everything.
Pretended Ignorance
Hypothetical state clashing with actual reality.
Me miró como si no me conociera.
He looked at me as if he didn't know me.
Common mix-ups
You can never use the present tense after 'como si'; it always requires the subjunctive.
He speaks as if he knew everything.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
He speaks as if he were the owner.
Show one possible answer
Habla como si fuera el dueño.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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Related grammar
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