Chapter 1 - The Prederite vs. Imperfect Flashcards
Express habitual past actions and events
Imperfect Tense
Cuando era joven, jugaba al tenis.
When I was young, I used to play tennis.
De niño, Eduardo se enfermaba con mucha frecuencia.
As a child, Eduardo used to get sick very frequently.
Describe an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end
Imperfect Tense
Sandra esperaba al doctor.
Sandra was waiting for the doctor.
El médico se preocupaba por sus pacientes.
The doctor worried about his patients.
Express the beginning or end of a past action
Preterite Tense
La pelicula empezó a las nieve.
The movie began at nine o’clock.
Ayer terminé el proyecto para la clase de química.
Yesterday I finished the project for chemistry class.
Narrate a series of pat actions or events
Preterite Tense
La doctora me miró lots oídos, me hizo Ina’s preguntas y escribió la receta.
The doctor looked in my ears, asked me some questions, and wrote the prescription.
Me di con la mesa, me caí y me lastimé el pie.
I bumped into the table, I fell, and I injured my foot.
Describe physical and emotional states or characteristics
Imperfect Tense
La chica quería descansar. Se sentía mal y tenía dolor de cabeza.
The girl wanted to rest. She felt ill and had a headache.
Elllos eran altos y tenían ojos verdes.
They were tall and had green eyes.
Estábamos felices de ver a la familia.
We were happy to see our family.
Express actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed
Preterite Tense
Sandra se rompió la pierna.
Sandra broke her leg.
Fueron a Buenos Aires ayer.
They went to Buenos Aires yesterday.
