Imperfect vs. Preterite usage

Question

In English, I know that when describing a specific event, you usually use one tense. However, in Spanish class, I have to write a story about something that occurred a few days ago. Would the entire story be in preterite tense, then? Would I start my narration with "A few days ago....", in order to be more clear?

Or, can I switch back and forth between preterite and imperfect? (Between my sentences)

Thank you!

Answer 1

You can definitely switch back and forth between preterite and imperfect and in most paragraphs / stories of any length you would do so. Not just between sentences, but even within sentences.

Example:

When I was (imperfect) five years old, one time I went (preterite) to Disneyland. While I waited (imperfect) for a ride I met (preterite) Minnie Mouse. Later, I felt (imperfect) warm so I ate (preterite) an ice cream.

Just to be clear, sometimes you will have sentences where all the verbs are imperfect and other times they will all be preterite.

It was (imperfect) a sunny day and there was (imperfect) not a cloud in the sky (setting the scene...all imperfect)

First I rode (preterite) the roller coaster, then I ate (preterite) lunch before I took (preterite) a nap because I was (imperfect) sleepy. The first three were consecutive actions, the last was a feeling which usually uses the imperfect unless you are talking about a sudden change in a feeling in which case the preterite could be used.

I suggest you read the articles under Language Guide - Verbs in the Main Menu that deal with Preterite, Imperfect and Preterite vs. Imperfect. They will help you a lot.

Thank you, Ken. :) - rac1, Jun 1, 2017

Answer 2

Just another little hint to add to Ken's post. In literature when describing a scene or a person, "ella era alta y tenía pelo rubio" By using the imperfect you'll be right 98% of the time. (There are always exceptions)

As Ken demonstrated, when the action begins, that's where the preterite is used most often ,that is when the action is complete in the past such as 'I rode the roller coaster."

Here's a "plain talk" article I wrote about the use of these tenses.

Preterite and Imperfect Tenses.

Thank you, amiga. :) - rac1, Jun 1, 2017