The Imperfect Tense

Question 1

When do you use the imperfect tense?

Answer 1

When describing events from the past that used to be habitual. These may be background activities behind a main activity (described in the preterite)

Question 2

What is the difference between the preterite and the imperfect tense?

Answer 2

The preterite refers to a one-off significant events whereas the imperfect refers to more habitual events. The imperfect is similar to the English (I used to).

Question 3

How to know when to use the preterite or the imperfect

Answer 3

Think of the imperfect as scene setting (he was a tall man), and the preterite for discussion of the main action (he won the race).

Question 4

How do you form the imperfect tense for ‘-ar’ verbs?

Answer 4

We will use cantar as an example
Eu - cantava
Tu - cantavas
Ele/Ela - cantava
Nós - cantávamos
Eles/Elas - cantavam

Question 5

How do you form the imperfect tense for ‘-er’ verbs?

Answer 5

We will use comer as an example
Eu - comia
Tu - comias
Ele/Ela - comia
Nós - comíamos
Eles/Elas - comiam

Question 6

How do you form the imperfect tense for ‘-ir’ verbs?

Answer 6

We will use abrir as an example
Eu - abria
Tu - abrias
Ele/Ela - abria
Nós - abríamos
Eles/Elas - abriam

Question 7

How do you form the imperfect tense for the irregular verb ‘ser’?

Answer 7

Eu - era
Tu - eras
Ele/Ela - era
Nós - éramos
Eles/Elas - eram

Question 8

How do you form the imperfect tense for the irregular verb ‘ter’?

Answer 8

Eu - tinha
Tu - tinhas
Ele/Ela - tinha
Nós - tínhamos
Eles/Elas - tinham