What's the difference between the preterite and imperfect tenses? Can they be used interchageably or are there times where you have to use one rather than the other?
Three answers:
Randy P
2011-10-31 19:19:28 UTC
They are definitely not interchangeable. One is almost always preferred over the other.
As a general rule, the preterite is used when the timing is definite or it's a one-time occurrence. The imperfect is used for the indefinite past, or for something that happened over a period of time. If you start out a sentence with an expression of time like "last night" or "two weeks ago", you are probably going to be using the preterite. If you say an expression in English that uses "used to...", then it's imperfect.
?
2016-09-11 15:57:13 UTC
@cosmic, the order of this 2 sentences is improper Imperfecto- tenía siempre generation celoso de María- i had continuously been jealous of maria An motion that happened regularly ago Siempre le he tenido celos a Maria Preterite- fui nació en 1994- i used to be born in 1994 Preterite seeing that you are born simplest as soon as Naci en el ano 1994, the "n" demands this at the best "~"
Durrrrr
2011-10-31 19:20:53 UTC
Preterite is used for finished actions.
Yo caminé a casa.
I walked home.
Imperfect is used for actions that "were happening". It is used for habitual actions as well, or descriptions.
Yo caminaba a casa cuando escuché algo.
I was walking home when I heard something.
Siempre hablaban en inglés.
They always spoke English.
Ella era bonita.
She was beautiful.
ⓘ
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