Preterite vs. Imperfect PRACTICE

Front

ongoing action, no reference to beginning or end of the action

Back

IMPERFECT

Front

specific action completed in the past

Back

PRETERITE

Front

telling time in the past

Back

IMPERFECT

Front

specific length of time

Back

PRETERITE

Front

physical or personality description

Back

IMPERFECT

Front

action that interrupts an event that's already in progress

Back

PRETERITE

Front

main events in the story (what happens)

Back

PRETERITE

Front

background details of a story (how it happens)

Back

IMPERFECT

Front

physical or emotional states (head, heart)

Back

IMPERFECT

Front

beginning or ending of an action in the past

Back

PRETERITE