Overview
This lecture reviews the differences between the preterite and imperfect tenses in Spanish, focusing on when and why to use each.
Preterite vs. Imperfect: Introduction
- Preterite and imperfect are two past tenses in Spanish that can be confusing.
- Preterite is used for actions that are completed and have a definite end.
- Imperfect is used for descriptions, background information, or ongoing states in the past.
Imperfect Usage
- Used for describing people, places, and situations in the past.
- Expresses continuous or habitual actions ("There was a boy," "He was intelligent and shy").
- Describes physical or emotional states ("He had brown hair," "Nicolás was 9 years old," "He didn't like school").
- Used for things without a clear beginning or end.
Preterite Usage
- Used for actions that occurred once or are completed events ("He drank water," "He asked permission," "They laughed").
- Narrates specific events or actions that move the story forward.
- Ideal for sequences of events or sudden actions.
Determining Which to Use
- Use imperfect for ongoing background actions or situations.
- Use preterite for actions that happened at a specific time and are now finished.
- Sometimes both tenses appear together, imperfect for background, preterite for interrupting actions.
Example Analysis
- In stories, initial background is usually in the imperfect, specific events switch to preterite.
- Example: Gloria in an elevator—her being trapped (imperfect), her dialing 911 (preterite).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Preterite — A Spanish past tense for completed actions or events.
- Imperfect — A Spanish past tense for continuous, habitual, or descriptive past actions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review videos on preterite and imperfect for more examples.
- Watch the next lesson for detailed rules on tense usage.