Preterite vs Imperfect

Front

The action being interrupted is...

Back

imperfect

Front

We use preterite to talk about past events that have a definite ending.

Back

that have a definite ending

Front

The interrupting action is...

Back

preterite

Front

"We were telling a story" - preterite or imperfect?

Back

imperfect

Front

"Daniela brought the gift" - preterite or imperfect?

Back

preterite

Front

We use imperfect to talk about past events that are ongoing.

Back

Imperfect is used for past events that are ongoing.

Front

habitual past action

Back

imperfect

Front

setting the scene of a story

Back

imperfect

Front

telling what was happening

Back

imperfect

Front

Interrupts the other tense

Back

preterite