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

38502 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I improve my knowledge of Spanish vocabulary?


What is the difference between 'SER' and 'ESTAR'


What is the difference between the verbs "estar" and "ser"?


How do you form the imperfect tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning