Preterit vs. Imperfect

Question

What's the best way to remember when to use both of them? I mix them up sometimes when I'm in a rush and I'm looking for some tips! I will be using them with the subjuctive tomorrow for my final and I'm extremely nervous. Any help much appreciated!

the way i use it is : preterit is always a factt that already happend. inperfect could have a diferent answer that could have a different answer tha a fact that is done and throuvh. - algdnz, Apr 23, 2012

@ algdnz: please use proper spelling and punctuation so that we can read what you wrote and so that others who are learning english aren't confused! - t1funnyface, Apr 23, 2012

Answer 1

The correct use of the preterite and imperfect tenses can be illustrated by a quote from a short story from Isabel Allende:-

Clarisa nació cuando no existía la luz eléctrica en la ciudad........

A good English translation would be:-

Clarisa was born when electric light did not exist in the city.....In English the preterite is used in both cases (..was born and ...did not exist...). Clarisa's birth is a straightforward and clear act that occurred at a particular time. The electric light in the city did not exist for an indeterminate period of time....We could say in English that the light was not existing...even though this is not common use. When we can substitute...the continuous past tense (was not existing) and it makes sense in English, the Spanish imperfect is called for. That is, in many cases where the preterite is used in English, the imperfect is used in Spanish.

Answer 2

I hope that you will find this lesson helpful

Pret vs Imp

nice website, thanx - mona-kh, Apr 23, 2012

Answer 3

The preterite is more of an abrupt happening, whereas the imperfect has a lasting, drawn out effect.

ei. Me gustó - It was pleasing to me (not any more) Me gustaba - It was pleasing to me (and still is)

Some words are more obvious:

Conocí a Rodrigo (I met Rodrigo) Conocía a Rodrigo (I knew Rodrigo)

I hope this helps ~Tortox

Answer 4

Look at the Preterite and Imperfect information on this page. It´s a handy guide.