when to use Imperfect and when to use Preterite for the past?

Thea R.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

when to use Imperfect and when to use Preterite for the past?

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Thea,

in the passive voice, the use of the preterite or the imperfect tense will depend on the action being seen as a completed action (preterite) or seen as a descriptive action (imperfect), so, for example:

1. Los ladrones fueron arrestados.

2. Los ladrones eran arrestados.

In 1., this is seen as a completed action, i.e. it has an end. In 2., we see it as a description of what was happening, as a process, not as a completed action. 

I hope this clarified it.

Saludos,

Inma

when to use Imperfect and when to use Preterite for the past?

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