Preterite vs. Imperfect in Spanish

Be gentle with this pattern. Spanish grows fastest when one small idea gets practiced with care.

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.

How To Practice

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.

Common Trap

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.

Remember

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