Grammar
Preterite vs imperfect in Spanish
Learn the practical difference between preterite and imperfect in Spanish with examples and contrast pairs.
Use preterite for completed events and imperfect for background, habits or ongoing past situations.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| event | Ayer llovió. | It rained yesterday. | preterite: completed event |
| background | Llovía cuando salí. | It was raining when I left. | imperfect: ongoing background |
| habit | Iba al parque cada día. | I used to go to the park every day. | imperfect |
| sequence | Llegué y llamé. | I arrived and called. | preterite |
| description | Era una noche fría. | It was a cold night. | imperfect |
| change of state | Me cansé. | I got tired. | preterite |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking one English past form equals one Spanish tenseContext decides the tense.
- Using only preterite in storiesGood narration usually mixes both.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.