"Ir" vs. "Ser"

Question

If you were reading a book and found the preterit form of one of these, how would you know which one it is?

Answer 1

Unfortunately since they are both the same, you would have to look at the sentence and figure it out, although it shouldn't be too hard.

For instance:

Fueron al cine el viérnes próximo.

Translation: They went to the movie theater last friday.

Not: They were the movie theater last friday.

• Próximo? I think that is next rather than last, pasado would be a better word. - kenwilliams Dec 6, 2009

Answer 2

From the context...

Answer 3

El sábado fue al cine = On saturday he or she went to the cinema, use of the verb Ir. La fiesta fue en la calle = the party was in the street, use of the verb ser.