Preterite vs. Imperfect

Question 1

Express actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed

Ex: Sandra broke her leg.
Sandra se rompió la pierna.

Answer 1

preterite

Question 2

Express the beginning or end of a past action

Ex: The movie began at nine o’clock.
La película empezó a las nueve.

Answer 2

Preterite

Question 3

Narrate a series of past actions or events

Ex: The doctor looked in my ears, asked me some questions, and wrote the prescription.
La doctora me miró los oídos, me hizo unas preguntas, y escribió la receta.

Answer 3

Preterite

Question 4

Describe an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end

Ex: Sandra was waiting for the doctor.
Sandra esperaba al doctor.

Answer 4

Imperfect

Question 5

Express habitual past actions and events

Ex: When I was young, I used to play tennis.
Cuando era joven, jugaba al tenis.

Answer 5

Imperfect

Question 6

Describe physical and emotional states or characteristics

Ex: The girl wanted to rest. She felt ill and had a headache.
La chica quería descansar. Se sentía mal y tenía dolor de cabeza.

Answer 6

Imperfect