Question 1

Why do we use the imperfect subjunctive (abrieran) after cuando here?

Accepted Answer

We use it to show an anticipated action in the past. If this plan were happening today, we would use the present subjunctive for a future event that hasn't happened yet (cuando abran las puertas). Because this sentence is set in the past (Su plan era...), we have to "backshift" our tenses. The doors opening was a future event from the perspective of that past moment, so the subjunctive shifts back to the imperfect form (abrieran).

Question 2

In the phrase cuando abrieran las puertas, are the doors the subject doing the opening?

Accepted Answer

No, las puertas is the direct object here, and the implied subject is "they" (the store employees or organizers). If the sentence meant "when the doors opened (themselves)," it would normally use the reflexive form to show that the doors are the subject: cuando se abrieran las puertas.

Question 3

Why is it para la reventa and not por la reventa?

Accepted Answer

We use para here because it expresses purpose or intended use. The shoes were bought for the specific purpose of reselling them. You would use por if you were talking about the cause or motivation behind an action (e.g., doing it because of the resale market) or an exchange.

Question 4

Could I say cuando abriesen las puertas instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, abriesen is the alternative imperfect subjunctive form of abrir, and it means the exact same thing as abrieran. However, in Latin America, the -ra endings are overwhelmingly more common in everyday speech and writing than the -se endings.

Su plan era comprar los zapatos para la reventa cuando abrieran las puertas.

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