Pretérito versus Imperfecto

Uses for Preterite and Imperfect PreteriteImperfect Ccompleted actions: single actions or series of actions Ffocus on beginning of an action Ffocus on an actions coming to an end Pphysical or emotional states Hhabitual actions Aage Ttime Ccontinuing actions Oongoing situations Wweather

Other situations Something was happening, when an action ‘interrupted’ it.  The ongoing action is imperfect, and the action that ‘interrupts’ is preterite. In a long narrative.  The part that seems to be descriptive, background info is imperfect, while actions and specific events are preterite.

Practice While I was walking in Florida, I saw a gator (el caimán). Mientras caminaba en Florida, vi a un caimán. (interruption of an ongoing action)

Practice I left Florida, and went to Belize. It was sunny when I arrived! Salí de Florida, y fui a Belize. Hacía mucho sol cuando llegué. (action, weather, action)

Practice It was four o’clock when my mom sent me an . Eran las cuatro cuando mi madre me mandó un correo electrónico. She was sad, because she missed (extrañar) me. Estaba triste porque me extrañaba. (time, action, emotion, emotion)

Imperfect Formation

Preterite Formation