how do you know when to use imperfect vs preterit?

Question

How do you know when to use imperfect in a story rather than preterit

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum

Generally speaking the imperfect sets the scene while the preterite interrupts it although as you can guess there is more to it than that!

I was reading a book when the doorbell rang.

The reading of the book takes place in the imperfect (no beginning or end is being stresses so it sets the scene).

The door bell ringing takes place in the preterite - it's an interrupting action and the start of that action is being described here.

I found playing this game very, very helpful!

Preterite vs Imperfect

Why not click on the newest post and have a go

typo- stressed; very good answer (this is what I am studying now and I always find short accurate summations helpful) - Stadt, Oct 4, 2010