Usage Examples
[Present Indicative] Ato los cabos sueltos de este complicado asunto. → I tie up the loose ends of this complicated matter.
[Present Perfect] Ellos han atado al perro a la entrada de la tienda. → They have tied the dog at the entrance of the store.
[Imperfect Indicative] Ella siempre ataba sus paquetes con un cordel rojo. → She always used to tie her packages with a red string.
[Pluperfect Indicative] Ya habíamos atado el trato antes de que se arrepintieran. → We had already clinched the deal before they changed their minds.
[Preterite] El marinero ató el bote al muelle con firmeza. → The sailor tied the boat to the pier firmly.
[Preterite Anterior] Apenas hubo atado la carga, arrancó el motor. → As soon as he had secured the load, he started the engine.
[Future] Este nudo atará bien las piezas de madera. → This knot will tie the wooden pieces together well.
[Future Perfect] Habrán atado a los prisioneros para cuando amanezca. → They will have bound the prisoners by the time it dawns.
[Conditional] Yo ataría mejor esa caja si fuera a viajar lejos. → I would tie that box better if it were going to travel far.
[Conditional Perfect] Habría atado la cuerda si no se hubiera roto antes. → I would have tied the rope if it hadn't broken before.