When is it appropriate to use the imperfect and preterite?

The preterite is generally used for an action that has been completed in the past, which has a definite beginning and end point Example:Anoche fui a la fiesta The imperfect is generally used for an action that does not have a definite end point, including a time in general in the past or an action that isn’t completed yet. It is also used to describe: habitual actions, times and ages, actions that are interrupted by another, characteristics, mental or physical statesExamples: Cuando era pequeña, jugaba al fútbol Ella tenía 25 años cuando se casó con su novioCaminaba por la calle cuando vi a mi amigaMi abuelo era muy alto Hacía mucho calor esa noche I would then help the student to write their own sentences in the past using either the preterite or imperfect, referring back to the list.

Answered by Maisie L. Spanish tutor

1039 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

When do I use SER and when do I use ESTAR?


"Mamá Elena es víctima de la sociedad en la que vive." ¿Hasta qué punto estás de acuerdo con esta afirmación?


¿ En 'Como Agua Para Chocolate', qué les ocurrió a los invitados de la boda?


When do you use the present subjunctive in spanish?


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy