Imperfect v Preterite

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 is used for ongoing or in-progress actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• 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

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.)

We went to the beach last summer.

• pretérito

• imperfecto