Question 1

Why is necesitaban in the imperfect indicative instead of the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

While phrases like en caso de que trigger the subjunctive, por si and por si acaso are exceptions. They almost always take the indicative. Because the main action happened in the past (habían organizado), we use the imperfect indicative (necesitaban) to express the past precaution.

Question 2

Could I just say por si instead of por si acaso here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, por si and por si acaso are completely interchangeable in this sentence. Adding acaso just gives it a slightly stronger emphasis, much like the difference between 'in case' and 'just in case' in English.

Question 3

How do the tenses of habían organizado and necesitaban work together in this timeline?

Accepted Answer

The past perfect (habían organizado, or 'had organized') describes an action completed before a specific point in the past. The imperfect (necesitaban, or 'needed') describes the ongoing possibility or background condition during that time in the basement.

Question 4

Why is it quedarse instead of just quedar?

Accepted Answer

When referring to someone physically staying or remaining in a location (like the basement), Spanish uses the pronominal form quedarse. The non-reflexive quedar is used for other meanings, like having something left over or arranging to meet up with someone.

Ellos ya habían organizado la despensa por si acaso necesitaban quedarse en el sótano.

Breakdown of Ellos ya habían organizado la despensa por si acaso necesitaban quedarse en el sótano.

Questions & Answers about Ellos ya habían organizado la despensa por si acaso necesitaban quedarse en el sótano.

Learn Ellos ya habían organizado la despensa por si acaso necesitaban quedarse en el sótano and more in Spanish