Is this use of Preterite and Imperfect correct?

Question

Hey all. I was wondering if I had this right on my homework. (see below) ?

Después que ocurrió el temblor de Haiti, la gente ayudaron muchísimo.

Is this the correct usage of preterite and imperfect?

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Also, I have not quite grasped the Pret/Imperf tense uses in a multi-part sentence such as the following. How can I tell when to use preterite and when to use imperfect

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Gracias! Cristóbal94

Answer 1

I would use the preterite for ocurir and the imperfect for ayudar, but it really depends on what you, the speaker, is trying to say. If you mean that immediately after the earthquake hit, the people helped and that help ended, then use the preterite. If you mean that the after the earthquake hit, the people helped and that help is ongoing, then use the imperfect.

The reason that this may seem confusing to you is that the sentence is just opposite of the classic example where the imperfect is setting the background, ongoing action and the preterite action interrupts it.

That doesn't happen here as we have a completed action (occurir) and a subsequent action that may also be perceived as completed or ongoing depending on the speakers intent.

My suggestion would be replace ayudar with helped or were helping. Whichever fits your intention more dictates the preterite or the imperfect.

Thanks! Great explanation! - Cristóbal94, Feb 1, 2010

Answer 2

hey all you did perfectly fine i take spanish class to so dont worry i am new so email me here on spanish dict peace it out!

Answer 3

I agree with Qfreed, I would use the imperfect for ayudar.

The preterite for ocurrir is fine, since the earthquake was a singular event, it happened and now its over.

The help is ongoing, or at least there is no specific ending time.

Thanks! That sounds right. Great explanation to you to! - Cristóbal94, Feb 1, 2010