uses of past tense

Question 1

What is one use of the Pretérito?

Answer 1

To indicate the beginning of an action.

Miguel empezó a trabajar a las siete de la mañana.

Question 2

What does the Pretérito indicate about a past action?

Answer 2

It indicates the end or completion of a past action.

La muchacha hizo su tarea anoche.

Question 3

How is the Pretérito used to describe actions?

Answer 3

To describe a series of actions in the past.

José entró, me saludó, buscó su libro y salió.

Question 4

What change does the Pretérito describe?

Answer 4

To describe a change in a mental or emotional state.

Miguel se enojó cuando vio a su novia con otro muchacho.

Question 5

What does ‘saber’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 5

‘To find out’ in the Pretérito.

Question 6

What does ‘conocer’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 6

‘To meet’ in the Pretérito.

Question 7

What does ‘querer’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 7

‘To try’ in the Pretérito.

Question 8

What does ‘no querer’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 8

‘To refuse’ in the Pretérito.

Question 9

What does ‘poder’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 9

‘To manage; to accomplish’ in the Pretérito.

Question 10

What does ‘no poder’ mean in the Pretérito?

Answer 10

‘To try to do something and fail’ in the Pretérito.

Question 11

What does ‘saber’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 11

‘To know’ in the Imperfecto.

Question 12

What does ‘conocer’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 12

‘To know, be acquainted with’ in the Imperfecto.

Question 13

What does ‘querer’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 13

‘To want’ in the Imperfecto.

Question 14

What does ‘no querer’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 14

‘Not to want’ in the Imperfecto.

Question 15

What does ‘poder’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 15

‘To be able to’ in the Imperfecto.

Question 16

What does ‘no poder’ mean in the Imperfecto?

Answer 16

‘Not necessarily able to do something’ in the Imperfecto.