Pretérito Imperfecto vs Perfecto

Question

Okay, Just started learning this in class and its completely thrown me. I understand the basics of it but when and where would you use this and are there any easy ways to learn it.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi and welcome to SpanishDict!

Pretérito Perfecto is used when an action was started and completed in the past.

Examples: I ate. I drank. He ran to the store. She was born in September.

1) Comí a las ocho y después bebí dos cervezas. Nació en septiembre.

Pretérito Imperfecto is used for something that began in the past but we don't know exactly when it began and ended.

Examples: I was listening to music. I didn't know that you were from the U.S.

2) No sabía que eres estadounidense.

Comí , bebí, nació, etc. is pretérito indefinido. Pretérito perfecto is he comido, he bebido, he nacido, etc. - brianstarks, Apr 24, 2012

Answer 2

If you do a search, you will find this question has been asked a lot...

Perhaps these will help... Preterit vs. Imperfect Lesson & Quiz / Imperfect Reference Article / Preterit Reference Article

Pretérito Perfecto is present perfect tense. Not the Preterit (Indefinido) described in this article. - brianstarks, Apr 24, 2012