When do you use the Preterite vs. the Imperfect?

Question

When do you use the Preterite vs. the Imperfect?

I have the basic idea but i have an upcoming test on it and i want to elaborate on it. Can someone help, please?

Answer 1

Preterite is for events in the past that can only or only happened once. Like I was born. You would use the preterite because you can only be born once.

Imperfect is for events in the past that happened over and over again and you don't know when it stopped. Like I played baseball. You played baseball more than once and you don't know if you or when you stopped.

Often if you use the imperfect it can also mean you used to do something. Like I used to play baseball. But you can't used to be born. Jeje!

that really helped, thanks - person258, Feb 25, 2010

De nada!!! - micaelaesawesomo, Feb 25, 2010

Answer 2

There are some detailed reference articles on both the Preterit and the Imperfect. I'll definitely have to think about writing another one comparing the two. I always hated that test where the pit the two against each other.

There is also a video comparing the two in the Learn Section. LS 2.10 using natural disasters!

Good luck on your test!

Answer 3

Here is my attempt to compare and contrast these two tenses. It might not add much to the previous answers, but, you might like the format.

Follow this link ----> Preterit vs Imperfect

thanks i'll look into it - person258, Mar 4, 2010