Understanding the Preterite and Imperfect Tenses Flashcards
(56 cards)
What is the primary use of the preterite tense?
For actions that are completed and have a definite time frame.
What does the imperfect tense describe?
Ongoing actions or states without a specific end.
Provide an example of a sentence in the preterite tense.
Juan estuvo enfermo por dos días.
Provide an example of a sentence in the imperfect tense.
Mi primer carro era azul.
In what context is the imperfect tense used for background descriptions?
For physical characteristics and emotional states.
Can the preterite and imperfect tenses be used interchangeably?
Yes, depending on the context.
What does ‘había’ indicate in the imperfect tense?
Background description.
What does ‘hubo’ indicate in the preterite tense?
A specific event.
What is the mnemonic to remember the difference between ‘por’ and ‘para’?
‘Por’ as a path (motion, cause) and ‘para’ as a destination (goal, recipient).
List three situations to use ‘por’.
- Cause, reason, or motive
- Motion or transit
- Duration
List three situations to use ‘para’.
- Purpose or goal
- Destination
- Recipient
What is the regular conjugation pattern for -AR verbs?
- Yo: -o
- Tú: -as
- Él/Ella/Usted: -a
- Nosotros: -amos
- Vosotros: -áis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: -an
Give an example of an irregular -AR verb.
Estar (to be).
What are the regular conjugation endings for -ER verbs?
- Yo: -o
- Tú: -es
- Él/Ella/Usted: -e
- Nosotros: -emos
- Vosotros: -éis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: -en
Define reflexive verbs.
Indicate actions that someone does to themselves.
What is the reflexive pronoun for ‘we’?
nos.
List three common reflexive verbs.
- Despertarse
- Vestirse
- Lavarse
What is the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive verbs?
Reflexive verbs indicate actions done to oneself; non-reflexive indicate actions done to others.
What happens to stem-changing verbs in the present tense?
They undergo a spelling change in their stem.
Provide an example of an O → UE stem-changing verb.
Poder (to be able) - Puedo.
What is the present tense conjugation of ‘tener’?
- Tengo
- Tienes
- Tiene
- Tenemos
- Tenéis
- Tienen
What is the present tense conjugation of ‘venir’?
- Vengo
- Vienes
- Viene
- Venimos
- Venís
- Vienen
When do you use ‘saber’?
For facts, information, and knowing how to do something.
When do you use ‘conocer’?
For knowing people, places, or being familiar with things.