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Conjugation Chart

“Aplicar” (to apply) in the Imperfect Tense

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Understanding the Imperfect Tense of “Aplicar”

The Imperfect Tense of aplicar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example: Aplicaba el ungüento todas las noches. (I applied the ointment every night.)

Aplicar is a regular -ar verb, so its Imperfect Tense conjugations follow the typical pattern for that verb type.

How to Use Aplicar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of aplicar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past.

To apply or put into practice: Por ejemplo, yo aplicaba las técnicas de estudio que aprendí (I was applying the study techniques that I learned).

To administer or implement: Por ejemplo, el gobierno aplicaba nuevas leyes (the government was implementing new laws).

To assign or attribute: Por ejemplo, les aplicaba apodos graciosos a mis amigos (I was giving my friends funny nicknames).

To focus or concentrate (colloquial): Por ejemplo, no me aplicaba en la clase (I wasn’t focusing in class).

Real Life Examples of Aplicar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo aplicaba las técnicas de relajación antes de las presentaciones importantes. (I used to apply relaxation techniques before important presentations.)

Ellos aplicaban los conocimientos adquiridos en la universidad a sus proyectos personales. (They used to apply the knowledge acquired at university to their personal projects.)

Ella aplicaba un tratamiento natural para el cabello cada semana. (She used to apply a natural hair treatment every week.)

Nosotros aplicábamos los consejos de nuestros padres en nuestra vida diaria. (We used to apply our parents’ advice in our daily lives.)

Tú aplicabas las reglas de etiqueta en las cenas formales. (You used to apply etiquette rules at formal dinners.)

El equipo aplicaba estrategias innovadoras para resolver los problemas. (The team used to apply innovative strategies to solve problems.)

Ellas aplicaban maquillaje de manera profesional para eventos especiales. (They used to apply makeup professionally for special events.)

Ustedes aplicaban los principios de la meditación para reducir el estrés. (You used to apply the principles of meditation to reduce stress.)

Él aplicaba un enfoque holístico en su estilo de vida. (He used to apply a holistic approach to his lifestyle.)

Nosotras aplicábamos técnicas de negociación en nuestras reuniones de trabajo. (We used to apply negotiation techniques in our work meetings.)

Tú aplicabas los trucos de la abuela para quitar las manchas de la ropa. (You used to apply grandma’s tricks to remove stains from clothes.)

Ellos aplicaban los valores familiares en la crianza de sus hijos. (They used to apply family values in raising their children.)

Ella aplicaba su creatividad en la decoración de su hogar. (She used to apply her creativity in decorating her home.)

Nosotros aplicábamos las técnicas de jardinería orgánica en nuestro huerto. (We used to apply organic gardening techniques in our vegetable garden.)

Ustedes aplicaban los consejos de los expertos en finanzas para ahorrar dinero. (You used to apply the advice of financial experts to save money.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Aplicar (to apply) in the Imperfect Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.