Preterite vs. imperfect

1. The preterite vs. the
imperfect
There are two “simple” past tenses in
Spanish: The “preterite” and the
“imperfect”.
These tenses are not interchangeable,
meaning that each one has specific
uses and meanings.

2. The uses of the preterite
A one time past action
Ella usó la computadora.
She used the computer.

3. The uses of the preterite
As part of a chain of events.
Primero ella abrió la puerta,
entonces miró adentro.
First she opened the door, then she
looked inside.

4. The uses of the preterite
To state the beginning or end of an
action.
Ellos terminaron el examen y salieron
de la clase.
They finished the test and left the
classroom.

5. Preterite key words
Ayer = yesterday
Anteayer = the
day before
yesterday
Anoche = last
night
Entonces = then
El/la ____
pasada= last
________.
Una vez = one
time

6. The uses of the
imperfect
Repeated or habitual past
action.
Siempre comíamos a las siete.
We always ate at seven.

7. The uses of the
imperfect
To “set the stage” for
something.
Yo miraba la televisión cuando . .
.
I was watching t.v. when . . .

8. The uses of the
imperfect
To tell time (on the clock) in the
past.
Eran las tres de la tarde.
It was 3 p.m.

9. The uses of the
imperfect
Someone’s age in the past.
El hombre tenía cuarenta años.
The man was 40 years old.

10. The uses of the
imperfect
Mental or physical state in the
past.
La maestra estaba enojada.
The teacher was mad.

11. The uses of the
imperfect
Physical characteristics in the
past.
La mujer era alta y rubia.
The woman was tall and blonde.

12. Imperfect key words
A menudo = often
A veces =
sometimes
Cada/todos _____=
every __________
Mucho = a lot
Nunca = never
Siempre = always
Generalmente =
generally
Frecuentemente =
frequently