How do I form the imperfect?

The imperfect tense is used for ongoing actions (e.g. was doing) or actions done regularly in the past (e.g. used to do). It is formed by taking the endings off a verb to form its "stem". For -ar verbs (e.g. hablar which becomes habl) we add these endings-:abaabasabaábamosabaisaban
For -ir and -er verbs (e.g. comer and vivir) we add these endings:íaíasíaíamosíaisían.

ZA
Answered by Zain A. Spanish tutor

1655 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When does one say "pez" or "pescado"?


What is the best way to learn vocabulary?


Translate the following passage into Spanish. "I like to go on holiday to Spain. It is always sunny and our favourite hotel has a big swimming pool. Last summer we went to Madrid and I saw a concert. I am going to study Spanish at university."


What are the differences between the use of the preterite and imperfect tenses in Spanish?


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