Grammar Rules

Question 1

When do you use the pretérito?

Answer 1

1. An action totally completed in the past

Eg - Ellis viajaron a Nueva York.

2. An action completed at a definite/specific time in the past

Eg mi suegro regresó a las cuatro

3. An action that lasted for a specific period of time. (If you can determine how long it lasted, use the preterit)

Eg - esperó dos horas en el consultorio del Dr. Bernal

4. A series of actions completed in the past (you may not be able to determine when they took place but you can identify a series of actions)

Eg - llegué a la oficina, preparé un café, me senté y llamé a un cliente)

5. Actions or events that are not usually repeated (turning 60, realising, deciding, dying)