Spanish Preterite vs. Imperfect

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

• preterite

• imperfect

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

• preterite
• imperfect

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

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

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Which past tense is used for repeated or habitual actions?

• pretérito

• imperfecto

Which past tense is used for abrupt or sudden 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.)

I called you twice.

• pretérito

• imperfecto