Why couldn't the answer be, "Pudieras haber perdido" since it was hypothetical and you didn't actually lose your job?
You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
Linda H.Kwiziq community member
You could have lost your job with that rude attitude.
This question relates to:Spanish lesson "Using poder to say could have [done something] in Spanish (modal verbs)"
Asked 2 years ago
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
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