Learn ordenar conjugation in Pretérito Imperfecto step by step with detailed explanations

In this lesson we will learn how to conjugate the verb ordenar in the Pretérito Imperfecto tense of the Indicativo mood. It means we will see step by step how to create the following conjugation:

yo	ordenaba
tú	ordenabas
él/ella/usted	ordenaba
nosotros/nosotras	ordenábamos
vosotros/vosotras	ordenabais
ellos/ellas/ustedes	ordenaban

This lesson is specifically about the ordenar verb conjugation. For a general overview of Simple Tenses conjugation have a look at our Simple Tenses Conjugation Chart.

We also have a Video Presentation on how to conjugate verbs in Pretérito Imperfecto. It’s embedded on the right, but you may as well see it in this article along with additional information.

The objective of this series is to teach as much as possible the logic behind exceptions and spelling corrections. That way the amount of stuff which needs to be learned by heart will be minimal and the learning process will be much more effective. It means learning quicker and with less effort.

Note the timeline

The ability to correctly locate the desired position on the timeline is a crucial skill for the right choice of tenses. So note the timeline in our lessons and visualize it while speaking, listening, writing and reading. After a bit practice you’ll be able to select the right tense to use much easier.

Step by step instructions

The verb ordenar has regular conjugation in the Pretérito Imperfecto tense of the Indicativo mood. It means that this verb just follows the basic rules for its group (-ar) without any exceptions, spelling corrections and the like. This tense is really easy, because there are only three exceptions!

The basis for the conjugation of this verb is its stem, so we have to start by splitting the infinitive into a stem and an ending. It’s very easy to do – simply remove two letters from the end of the infinitive to get the ending – one of -ar, -er, -ir. What’s left is the stem. So in case of the verb ordenar it’s easy to see that: the stem is: orden- and the ending is: -ar

Use the stem orden- in each subject as the basis for the conjugations, the common prefix or root that each of the forms begins with.

Next, add to this regular stem the endings specific to each person. See the image on the side showing all the six endings. Notice the colors and shapes of the letters. It will help you find patterns and make it easier to remember these endings. Each grammatical person has a specific ending in each of the three conjugation groups -ar, -er, -ir

Add the regular ending -aba for the first person singular to get ordenaba

As before add the regular ending -abas for the second person singular to get ordenabas

Again add the regular ending -aba for the third person singular to get ordenaba

And as before add the regular ending -ábamos for the first person plural to get ordenábamos

Note difference in spelling Only the first person plural has an accent here. This difference exists only in case of the verbs from the -ar group. Other groups always have an accented i in the ending in this tense. So add the accent to get ordenábamos

And again add the regular ending -abais for the second person plural to get ordenabais

And one more time add the regular ending -aban for the third person plural to get ordenaban

That’s it! The conjugation is now finished. But don’t end your session yet – it’s important to repeat and practice the material in order to remember it. Check below for some links.

Next Steps

• To practice this conjugation and test yourself check this Conjugation Exercise
• To see other conjugation lessons for this verb choose another tense: Presente (indicativo)Pretérito Perfecto Simple (indicativo)Condicional (indicativo)Futuro (indicativo) 
• For various exercises related to this verb, visit our Exercise section
• To see conjugation charts in all tenses for this verb, visit the Conjugator
• To explore other learning materials visit the Study section

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