10.2: The preterite and the imperfect Flashcards
(26 cards)
Does this sentence use the preterite or the imperfect? Also, traducirlo.
Me rompí el brazo cuando estaba paseando en bicicleta.
Both perfect and imperfect
To/for me (it) broke the arm when I was passing on bicycle.
I broke my arm when I was riding the bike.
True or false: The choice between the preterite and the imperfect depends on the context and on the point of view of the speaker.
True
Does this sentence use the preterite or the imperfect? Also, traducirlo.
Tenía dolor de cabeza, pero me tomé una aspirina y se me fue.
Imperfect and preterite
I had/was having pain of head, but to/for me (I) took an aspirin and (se me fue).
I was having a headache, but I took an aspirin and (se me fue).
Which one of the following represents use of the preterite and and which one of the following represents use of the imperfect?
- Express actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed
- Describe an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end
- Preterite
2. Imperfect
Which one of the following represents use of the preterite and and which one of the following represents use of the imperfect?
- Express habitual past actions and events
- Express the beginning or end of a past action
- Imperfect
2. Preterite
Which one of the following represents use of the preterite and and which one of the following represents use of the imperfect?
- Narrate a series of past actions or events
- Describe physical and emotional states or characteristics
- Preterite
2. Imperfect
These words and expressions, as well as similar ones, commonly occur with the __________:
Ayer Anteayer Una vez Dos veces Tres veces El año pasado De repente
preterite
These words and expressions, as well as similar ones, commonly occur with the __________:
De niño/a Todos los días Mientras Siempre Con frecuencia Todas las semanas
imperfect
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Sandra se rompió la pierna.
Preterite
The expression of actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed
Sandra broke her leg.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Fueron a Buenos Aires ayer.
Preterite
The expression of actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed
They went to Buenos Aires yesterday.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
La película empezó a las nueve.
Preterite
The expression of the beginning or end of a past action
The movie began at nine o’clock.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Ayer terminé el proyecto para la clase de química.
Preterite
The expression of the beginning or end of a past action
Yesterday I finished the project for chemistry class.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
La doctora me miró los oídos, me hizo unas preguntas y escribió la receta.
Preterite
The narration of a series of past actions or events
The doctor looked in my ears, asked me some questions, and wrote the prescription.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Me di con la mesa, me caí y me lastimé el pie.
Preterite
The narration of a series of past actions or events
I bumped into the table, I fell, and I injured my foot.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Sandra esperaba al doctor.
Imperfect
The description of an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end
Sandra was waiting for the doctor.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
El médico se preocupaba por sus pacientes.
Imperfect
The description of an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end
The doctor worried about his patients.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Cuando era joven, jugaba al tenis.
Imperfect
The expression of habitual past actions and events
When I was young, I used to play tennis.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
De niño, Eduardo se enfermana con mucha frecuencia.
Imperfect
The expression of habitual past actions and events
As a child, Eduardo used to get sick very frequently.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
La chica quería descansar. Se sentía mal y tenía dolor de cabeza.
Imperfect
The description of physical and emotional states or characteristics
The girl wanted to rest. She felt ill and had a headache.
Is the preterite or imperfect being used? What is the verb form being used to express? Translate too.
Estábamos felices de ver a la familia.
Imperfect
The description of physical and emotional states or characteristics
We were happy to see our family.
When the imperfect and preterite appear in the same sentence, the imperfect describes what was happening, while the preterite describes the action that “__________” the ongoing activity.
interrupted
Traducir.
Miraba la tele cuando sonó el teléfono.
I was watching the TV when the phone rang.
Traducir.
Felicia leía el periódico cuando llegó Ramiro.
Felicia was reading the newspaper when Ramiro arrived.
Often, in narratives such as fiction, journalism, and the retelling of events, the imperfect describes background information, such as time, weather, and location, while the preterite indicates the specific events that occurred.
True, or something
