Help me with this Preterit, and Imperfect stuff.

Question

Complete each statement with the preterit,imperfect or both.

Anoche, Sr. Byrne(comer) ________ 132 tacos.

Siempre (yo/comprar) ________ mis camisas en Macy's

De vez en cuando, (ellas/estudiar) __________ en la biblíoteca

Frank (llegar) _______ a la una

El año pasado no ________ español a .pudamos hablar c.podámos hablar b .podímos hablar d.podíamos hablar

Answer 1

If it's a one off completed action in the past you'll use the preterite.

Clues for 'one off' 'completed actions' are exact times such as 'anoche' (but be aware that there will be exceptions.

Last night I 'saw' Bob. Anoche vi a Bob.

For habitual actions or actions that were ongoing at the time you're referring to you'll use the imperfect.

Siempre veía a esas chicas. I always used to those girls.

Clues for 'habitual' or 'ongoing' actions are non-specific times such as always,.

Why not attempt the answers yourself and we'll help with any necessary corrections.

If you need to check your conjugations here's the first chart you'll need for 'comer'.

If you're still stuck this lesson might help.

Hola Kiwi. Could you please put me right? " Siempre veía a esas chicas. I always see those girls." - britisk, Apr 20, 2013

The " see " seems like presens to me. I would have said " saw " or " used to see " Where am I going wrong? Gracias de antemano. - britisk, Apr 20, 2013

Hola Kiwi. Siempre veía a esas chicas. I always see those girls. - britisk, Apr 20, 2013

Sorry my slip up, quite right - I no longer seem able to speak English lol, veía is the imperfect (past) tense of ver and yes would mean 'used to see'. Thanks for the catch - Kiwi-Girl, Apr 20, 2013

Great answer, Kiwi!!! - jessicamccall117, Apr 20, 2013

Gracias Jessica :) - Kiwi-Girl, Apr 20, 2013

Thanks kiwi. I know how it is after many years abroad myself. - britisk, Apr 20, 2013