How to tell when to use Preterite vs. Imperfect vs Indefinite
Deciding which form of the preterite is the correct to use in a sentence is very challenging for me as someone learning Spanish as a second language. Does anyone have any tips on how to discern between the three?
Thanks 
3 Answers
Generally speaking, the preterite is used for actions in the past that are seen as completed. Use of the preterite tense implies that the past action had a definite beginning and definite end.
Juan habló de la una hasta las dos. Juan spoke from one until two o'clock. (clearly stated beginning and end)
It is important to realize that the beginning and the end may not always be clearly stated.
Juan habló dos horas. Juan spoke for two hours. (implied beginning and end)
Juan habló con la estudiante. Juan spoke with the student. (implied beginning and end)
Generally speaking, the imperfect is used for actions in the past that are not seen as completed. Use of the imperfect tense implies that the past action did not have a definite beginning or a definite end.
Las chicas hablaban en inglés.
The girls used to speak in English. (no definite beginning or end)
So the basic difference between the preterite and the imperfect:
The preterite tells us specifically when an action took place. The imperfect tells us in general when an action took place.
What is the difference between the preterite (simple past tense) and indefinite (pretérito indefinido)? I thought they both referred to pretérito perfecto simple.
The simple indicative mood past tense consists of the perfected (or indefinite) past tense and the imperfect past tense.
hello, welcome to the Forum. have you browse the lessons and exercises in the Reference Section?
You might find it very helpful for a start, and then you can come back to the Forum and provide some examples to discuss your doubts .
