Preterite vs. Imperfect in Spanish

Big Idea

Preterite vs. Imperfect in Spanish is about choosing the word that matches the thought.

Verbs are the engine of a sentence. Start with the moment in time, then choose the form that carries that moment.

Examples

Example 1

Ayer llamé a mi mamá.
Yesterday I called my mom.

Notice llamé: A completed event.

Example 2

Cuando era niño, jugaba afuera.
When I was a child, I used to play outside.

Notice jugaba: A habit or background.

Example 3

Caminaba cuando empezó a llover.
I was walking when it started to rain.

Notice Caminaba: Scene plus interruption.

1. Step 1: Do not ask which English word matches.
2. Step 2: Ask what the speaker means: identity, state, destination, cause, request, or result.
3. Step 3: Choose the Spanish word that carries that meaning.

Watch for this: The trap is asking which tense means past. Both do. Ask whether you are pointing to a completed event or painting the background.

With Preterite vs. Imperfect in Spanish, begin with meaning and time. The ending is there to serve the sentence.