difference between imperfect and preterite

Question

What is the difference between imperfect and preterite tenses?

Answer 1

, AngieKing:

Here is my previously prepared reply to your question. I hope it is of real value to you.

Saludos/Regards,

Moe

Comparing The Preterit (Pretérito) and The Imperfect (Imperfecto)

Preterit – Pretérito (Past - Completed)	?	Imperfect – Imperfecto (Past - Continuous)
-----------------------------------------------------	?	-------------------------------------------------------------
This tense expresses an action in the past that was completed at some time in the past. The specific past actions will have been performed (1)- at a fixed point in time (2)- a specific number of times in the past (3)- during a specific amount of time in the past	?	This tense expresses an action or a state of being in the past that was ongoing or continuous in the past. The action(s) in the past will have these qualities (1)- they took place repeatedly in the past (2)- they were ongoing or continuous in the past (3)- they occurred over an extended period of unspecified time in the past
	?

This is a basic comparison. There is certainly more detail and in particular, regarding the imperfect. For the additional more detailed information and examples, see Paralee Whitmire's Reference Pages by following these links
For the preterit ----> El Pretérito , and
For the Imperfect ----> El Imperfecto

You will also find that our teacher Paralee Whitmire explains the Preterite and the Imprefect in her lesson 2.10, found here ----> Preterite & Imperfect

Hey Moe any chance you have one of those especially using ser and estar and focusing on describing things in the past instead of actions? That's where i find it gets really tricky! :( - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 12, 2011

thanks moe this was very helpful - AngieKing, Oct 18, 2011

Answer 2

Moe told us this.

This tense (imperfect) expresses an action or a

state of being in the past that was ongoing or continuous in the past.ongoing or continuous in the past.

My question is when and why is the imperfect used when the past continuous could be used?

Answer 3

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Go under the "More" tab and you'll see the Reference section. It's there that you'll find the lessons on those subjects.