How do you know when to use the imperfect or preterite past tenses?

Preterite- would be used for SINGULAR actions in the past; completed actions Imperfect- repeated actions in the past( saying I used to do something...) or descriptions We generally say that imperfect is a "background tense" When used in the same sentence: IMPERFECT- something that WAS GOING ON; and PRETERITE- something specific that happenedExamplesCuando trabajaba en Starbucks... (When I worked in Starbucks- IMPERFECT USED HERE as "I used to work") conoci a mi novio. (I met my boyfriend- PERFECT USED HERE, as only met my boyfriend once)

AT
Answered by Anna T. Spanish tutor

1481 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to write a letter to friend in spanish?Tu amigo español acaba de celebrar su cumpleaños te escribe para preguntarte sobre tu colegio y tus planes para el futuro. Escríbele una carta.


What is the difference between the use of SER and ESTAR?


When should I use the imperfect tense and the preterite tense?


How do I know when to use the subjunctive?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences