Preterite vs. Imperfect Page 76 – Chapter 2 Realidades 3

Ways to remember: How to use the Imperfect: D: description A: action in progress R: repeated actions T: time How to use the Preterite: S: single C: completed A: action in the P: past

Preterite vs. Imperfect When speaking about the past, you can use either the preterite or the imperfect, depending on the sentence and the meaning you wish to convey. Compare… Este fin de semana corrí una carrera de 5 kilómetros. Cuando era niño, corría en competencias de 500 metros.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the preterite to tell about past actions that happened and are complete. El sábado, obtuve un certificado por participar en partido.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the imperfect to tell about habitual actions in the past. Cuando era niño, jugaba con mis amigos hasta las 5 de la tarde.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the preterite to give a sequence of actions in the past. Cuando llegamos, la campeona se lastimó la rodilla y no participó en la carrera.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the imperfect to give background details such as time, location, weather, mood, age, and physical and mental descriptions. Eran las dos de la tarde. Estábamos en el parque. Era un día de otoño. Todos estábamos muy contentos.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the preterite and the imperfect together when an action (preterite) interrupts another that is taking place in the past (imperfect). Estábamos en el partido cuando empezó a caer granizo.

Preterite vs. Imperfect Use the imperfect when two or more actions are taking place simultaneously in the past. Mientras los participantes se estiraban, el entrenador observaba.

Una experencia cómica It was a hot day in the summer when I registered for a 5K race. Before I registered, I trained, I ran, and I prepared myself for the competition. On the day of the race, I was very nervous and excited. The race began and everyone ran very fast. As I was running, I saw that someone fell, and then I tripped and fell. I hurt my knee and my elbow. While I was making an effort to get up, another participant said, “What a shame!” . Finally, I finished the race and I was proud that I was able to finish. .

¿Cuánto tiempo hacía? How long has it been since….? “It’s been….” Hacía __amount of time__ que verb in the imperfect.