Preterite vs Imperfect

Which past tense is used for single, completed actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Which past tense is used for abrupt or sudden actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Which past tense is used for repeated or habitual actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Which past tense is used to express a series or sequence of completed actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Yo hablar (preterite)

• hablaba
• hablé
• habló
• hablaron

Los chicos necesitar (imperfecto)

• necesitaba
• necesitabas
• necesitabamos
• necesitaban

Ellos estudiar (preterite)

• estudié
• estudiaste
• estudió
• estudiaron

La señora Juarez cantar (preterite

• canté
• cantaste
• cantó
• cantaba