Pretérito vs. Imperfecto

The _____ talks about the habitual nature of an action

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to tell about simultaneous events (with mientras)

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to talk about the beginning or end of a past action

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to give background details (time, weather, age, characteristics)

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to express an action that is viewed as completed.

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to narrate the actions

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to express a series of completed actions

• preterite

• imperfect

Use the _____ to set the stage

• preterite

• imperfect

Translate the bold word into Spanish:

He wanted to help but I didn't let him.

• Preterite; quiso

• Imperfect; quería

Translate the bold word into Spanish:

He tried to help but he couldn't.

• preterite; quiso

• imperfect; quería