Preterite vs. Imperfect

Question 1

Imperfect

Answer 1

• Continuity or process
• Habitual actions (used to)
• Background or context for the story in the past (music, scenery, condition)
• Description: Physical, feelings/mental state, attitudes/beliefs (creer, pensar), health
• Telling time/ages

Question 2

Preterite

Answer 2

• Actions that have a beginning and/or end (completed within a given fixed period of time)
• Actions repeated a number of times
• Actions that advance the plot of a story and its results (accident)
• Sudden changes in mental states or conditions seen as completed
• ING
• ED
• empezar, comenzar, llegar

Question 3

Action and interuption

Answer 3

• Action: Imperfect

- Interruption: Preterite

Question 4

Estar

Answer 4

• Preterite: Recovered

- Imperfect: No indication of the outcome

Question 5

Querer

Answer 5

• P: Tried

- I: Mental state/ intention

Question 6

No Querer

Answer 6

P: Refused
I: Mental state/ lack of desire

Question 7

Poder

Answer 7

• P: Succeed

- I: Was capable

Question 8

Tener

Answer 8

-P: Compelled to, accepted

I: Had to/ was obligated to

Question 9

Saber

Answer 9

• p: Found out

- I: was/were aware

Question 10

Conocer

Answer 10

-P: Met for the first time

I: was/ were Acquainted with