What is the difference between the preterite and imperfect tense?

The preterite tense is generally used to describe completed actions in the past. For example, "el año pasado, fui a España con mi familia". The imperfect tense is generally used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past. For example "caminaba por la calle cuando vi a mi amigo"

Answered by Spanish tutor

1601 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I perform better in my A Level oral exam?


what is the difference between ser and estar?


How do I know when to use the subjunctive in Spanish?


How do I know which syllable I need to emphasise in a Spanish word?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning