Preterite vs. Imperfect

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Preterite vs. Imperfect
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Preterite

• Describes a particular or specific event
• Describes a well defined action or event that
  happened at a specific point in time
• Represents past actions

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Imperfect

• Describes habitual or repeated events in the past
• Describes ongoing actions or events
• Describes the circumstances and conditions
  surrounding the action

• Circumstances and conditions may refer to
• Time, weather,
• Attitudes, beliefs
• Age
• Physical Appearance
• Mental or emotional state

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Expressions

• Expressions often used with the preterite are
• una vez
• el sábado pasado
• un día
• esta mañana
• anoche

• Expressions often used with the imperfect are
• siempre
• los sábados
• todos los días
• a menudo