What is the difference between preterite and imperfect?

Question

I don't really understand when to use it when you are describing something in the past tense? Like what if you said, "She was pretty." Would you use preterite or imperfect? Then what if you said, "She was pretty at the party." Then which would you use? Please help, I am quite confused, I am only in Spanish 2!!!

Also what if I am just describing someone/thing, then which do I use? - micaelaesawesomo, Jan 5, 2010

Answer 1

Micaelaesawesomo:

Here is a link to a reply given 6 or 7 weeks ago. I hope you are still interested in this question. Sometimes it seems that an answer added to a thread 7 or 8 hours later is untimely for the person asking the question. I hope are still able to use this. Here is the link. Click here ----> Preterit vs Imperfecto

Mejor Recuerdos/Best Regards,

Moe

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! That made a lot of sense!!! - micaelaesawesomo, Jan 12, 2010

Answer 2

Both the preterit and the imperfect describe an action that happened in the past.

The preterit is used for specific times in the past.

The imperfect is for general actions in the past.

Always use the imperfect when describing the date or time in the past.

Always use the imperfect when describing emotions or states of mind.

OR watch learn Spanish 2.10

For both she was pretty and she was pretty at the party, you would use the imperfect because there's no specific beginning or end in the past.

What if I am describing someone or thing, then what do I use? - micaelaesawesomo, Jan 5, 2010

Answer 3

Use the "imperfect" in this case.

If you use the "preterite" it could be understood that she is not pretty at other times --- Ooo that would not be nice.

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• "She was pretty." (Era linda.)

• "She was pretty at the party." (Era linda en la fiesta.)

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Note: "bonita" could be used instead of "linda".