Preterit Vs. Imperfect

This is different than English because we consider past as

one tense.

Preterit Rules

Red Light

Preterit

• For Actions that can be viewed as single events

• Example: La gallina murió ayer.

Preterit• For actions that were

repeated a specific number of times.

• Example: La rana caminó a la tienda tres veces.

Preterit• For actions that

occurred during a specific period of time.

• Example: Yo estudié por diez minutos.

Preterit• For actions that

were part of a chain of events.

• Example: Yo asusté el alce americano y huyó.

Preterit• To state the

beginning or the end of an action.

• Example: Nosotros empezamos el partido de fútbol.

Imperfect Rules

Green Light

Imperfect• For actions that

were repeated habitually.

• Example: Yo iba al colegio todos los días.

Imperfect

• For actions that set the stage for other past actions.

• Example: Hacía calor por la playa.

Imperfect

• For telling time.

• Example: Eran las dos de la mañana.

Imperfect

• For stating one’s age

• Example: Yo tenía seis años.

Imperfect

• For mental states

• Example: El profesor estaba enojado.

Imperfect

• For physical sensations.

• Example: La estufa era calor.

Imperfect

• To describe the characteristics of people, things, or conditions.

• Example: La chica era muy fea.