Spanish Preterite vs. Imperfect

Front

Which past tense is used to express a sequence of events?

Back

preterite

Front

Which past tense is used to express an action in the past that is seen as completed?

Back

preterite

Front

Which past tense is used to express what one "used to do" or "would do" often?

Back

imperfecto

Front

Which past tense is used when there is NO specific end or beginning?

Back

imperfecto

Front

Which past tense is used when there is a specific end or beginning?

Back

pretérito

Front

Which past tense "sets the scene" or provides background information?"

Back

imperfecto

Front

Which past tense is used for ongoing or in-progress actions?

Back

imperfecto

Front

Which past tense is used for repeated or habitual actions?

Back

imperfecto

Front

Which past tense is used for abrupt or sudden actions? Options: pretérito, imperfecto

Back

pretérito

Front

If you were to write or say the following sentence in Spanish, would you need to use the preterite or imperfect? (Consider the uses of each tense.)

I called you twice.

Back

pretérito