You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.

LindaB2Kwiziq community member

You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.

Why couldn't the answer be, "Pudieras haber perdido" since it was hypothetical and you didn't actually lose your job? 

Asked 2 years ago
InmaKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hola Linda

The imperfect subjunctive in this type of sentence is not commonly used:

Tú podrías haber perdido tu trabajo con esa actitud tan grosera.

You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.

When we have a hypothetical sentence using a si clause the use of the imperfect subjunctive is correct, for example:

Si llegaras tarde todos los días, perderías tu trabajo.

If you were to be late every day, you would loose your job.

Si pudiera ayudarte, te ayudaría sin duda.

If I could help you, I would, no doubt.

But in the sentences in the lesson you refer to we are not using this structure with a si clause. Have a look here.

I hope this clarified it.

Gracias y saludos

Inma

 

You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.

Why couldn't the answer be, "Pudieras haber perdido" since it was hypothetical and you didn't actually lose your job? 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
I'll be right with you...