Note 9.1 — SIN QUERER

podía. The imperfect indicative sometimes replaces the conditional or the -ra form of the imperfect subjunctive in the conclusion of a conditional sentence contrary to fact. Cf. Bello-Cuervo, § 695: "This use of the imperfect indicative does not occur often; but when properly used it is emphatic and elegant." See [7.4].