What is the difference between the perfect/imperfect/preterite tenses?

All three of these indicate actions which occured in the past, but vary depending on duration.

The perfect tense ( he hecho) is used for past events which have just happened and are relevant to the speaker in the present.

The imperfect tense (hablaba/comia/dormia) is used for past events which were repeated and are relevant to the speaker in the present.

The preterite tense is used for past events which occured in a closed time period, these can be single events, or repeated over time BUT the duration must be clearly defined and cannot continue into the present.

ED
Answered by Emily D. Spanish tutor

36564 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the perfect tense and the preterite tense?


What is the difference between these two sentences, and which one is correct: 1) La gente quiere que haya más agua. 2) La gente quieren que hay más agua.


What is the subjunctive and how do I form it?


What is the present continuous/progressive and how do I form it?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences