Preterit v. Imperfect
Actions that happened once or were repeated a specific number of times. Compré mi primer coche después de graduarme. El verano pasado fuimos a Cuba. Salté la cuerda veinte veces. Habitual actions that were repeated an undetermined number of times Jugaba con bloques cuando era niño. Tú montabas mi bicicleta muchas veces.
Actions that occurred at or during a specific time. Jugué al tenis a las tres y media. Yo vi el ladrón y llamé la policía. Progressive actions that were ongoing for an indefinite period of time. Leía mi libro cuando mi mamá me llamó. Mientras íbamos al parque me caí.
Main actions and events. Hacía mucho viento cuando me caí. Veía la tele cuando el despertador sonó. The background and circumstances of a main action. Time and weather Age Outward or physical appearance Feelings, beliefs, emotional states Eran las dos de la tarde y hacía calor. Tenía dolor de cabeza y estaba cansado. La visibilidad era mala. El hombre era alto.
Actions that happened once or were repeated a specific number of times. Habitual actions that were repeated an undetermined number of times
Actions that occurred at or during a specific time. Progressive actions that were ongoing for an indefinite period of time.
Main actions and events.The background and circumstances of a main action. Time and weather Age Outward or physical appearance Feelings, beliefs, emotional states