Preterito Vs Imperfecto #1: ¿usarÃas El Pretérito O El Imperfecto?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
De joven, cuando era niño
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is imperfect because the phrase "de joven, cuando era niño" indicates a past habitual action or a continuous state in the past. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, while the preterite tense is used for completed actions. In this case, the phrase suggests that the speaker is referring to a general state or behavior during their childhood, rather than a specific event or action that happened once.Rate this question:
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- 2.
El año pasado
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The phrase "el año pasado" indicates a specific point in time in the past, which aligns with the use of the preterite tense. The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions or events that occurred at a specific time in the past. Therefore, "preterite" is the correct answer in this case.Rate this question:
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- 3.
De repente, de pronto
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The word "de repente" or "de pronto" refers to a sudden or unexpected action or event. In Spanish, the preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. Therefore, the correct answer is "preterite" because it indicates that the action described by "de repente, de pronto" happened and was completed in the past.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Finalmente, por fin
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
"Preterite" is the correct answer because it is a past tense verb form in Spanish. The word "finalmente" suggests that an action or event has finally come to an end, indicating a completed action in the past. "Por fin" also conveys a sense of relief or accomplishment, which aligns with the preterite tense. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, which does not fit the context provided.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Un día
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The word "un dÃa" is a noun phrase that means "one day" in English. In this context, the question is asking about the correct tense to use with this phrase. The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past, while the imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the specific tense that should be used with "un dÃa." Therefore, the correct answer is simply "preterite," as it is a possible option for describing a past action.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Siempre
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The given correct answer, "imperfect," suggests that the verb tense being referred to is the imperfect tense. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, as well as to provide background information or set the scene. Without further context, it is assumed that the verb "siempre" (meaning "always") is being used to describe a continuous or repeated action in the past, which aligns with the usage of the imperfect tense.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Todos los días
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The phrase "todos los dÃas" indicates a repeated or habitual action in the past. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, making it the appropriate tense in this context. The preterite tense, on the other hand, is used to describe completed actions in the past. Therefore, the correct answer is imperfect.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Ayer
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The word "preterite" is the correct answer because it is a grammatical term used to describe a past tense verb form that indicates a completed action in the past. In contrast, the word "imperfect" refers to another past tense verb form that indicates an ongoing or incomplete action in the past. Therefore, "preterite" is the appropriate word choice in this context.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Anteanoche
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The word "anteanoche" is a Spanish term that refers to the night before last. In this context, the preterite tense is the correct answer because it is used to talk about completed actions in the past. When discussing events that occurred before the present moment, the preterite tense is commonly used. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. Therefore, the preterite tense is the appropriate choice to describe an action that took place "anteanoche."Rate this question:
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- 10.
A menudo
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "imperfect." In Spanish, "a menudo" is a phrase that means "often" or "frequently." When talking about past actions that occurred repeatedly or habitually, the imperfect tense is used. Therefore, in this context, the imperfect tense would be the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Sets the stage for a story
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The imperfect tense is used to set the stage for a story by providing background information and describing ongoing or repeated actions in the past. It is often used to describe the setting, the characters, and the circumstances leading up to the main events of the story. The imperfect tense helps to create a sense of atmosphere and establish the context for the narrative.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Two completed actions in a sentence
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. In this sentence, there are two completed actions being referred to. Therefore, the correct answer is preterite.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Action that occurred a specific # of times
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The preterite tense is used to describe actions that occurred a specific number of times in the past. This tense is used to indicate completed actions with a definite beginning and end. In contrast, the imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. Therefore, the preterite is the correct answer because it specifically refers to actions that occurred a specific number of times.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Telling time
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "imperfect" because when talking about telling time in Spanish, the imperfect tense is used. This tense is used to describe actions that were ongoing or repeated in the past, which is appropriate when discussing the act of telling time. The preterite tense, on the other hand, is used for actions that were completed in the past. Therefore, the imperfect tense is the correct choice for this question.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Action that INTERRUPTS a continual action
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The preterite tense is used to describe actions that interrupt a continuous or ongoing action in the past. It indicates a specific, completed action that occurred at a specific point in time, breaking the continuity of the ongoing action. In contrast, the imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, without indicating a specific endpoint or interruption. Therefore, the preterite tense is the correct answer as it accurately represents an action that interrupts a continual action.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Location
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "preterite" because the word "location" suggests a specific point in time or a completed action, which is typically expressed using the preterite tense in Spanish. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past.Rate this question:
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- 17.
-aba -ábamos -abas -abais -aba -aban
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The given answer "imperfect" is correct because the verb forms "-aba," "-abas," "-aba," "-ábamos," "-abais," and "-aban" are all in the imperfect tense. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, while the preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past.Rate this question:
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- 18.
-é -amos -aste -asteis -ó -aron
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The given correct answer "preterite" is the correct tense for the verb forms provided (-aste, -asteis, -aron). The preterite tense is used to talk about completed actions in the past. In Spanish, the preterite tense is often used for actions that have a specific beginning and end. The verb forms (-aste, -asteis, -aron) all indicate past actions that were completed at a specific point in time. Therefore, the preterite tense is the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
B. PreteriteExplanation
The given answer "preterite" is the correct answer because the verb forms "fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron" belong to the preterite tense in Spanish. The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past, while the imperfect tense is used for ongoing or habitual actions in the past.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Era, eras, era, éramos, erais, eran
- A.
Imperfect
- B.
Preterite
Correct Answer
A. ImperfectExplanation
The given words "era, eras, era, éramos, erais, eran" are all forms of the verb "ser" in Spanish. These forms indicate the imperfect tense, which is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. The preterite tense, on the other hand, is used to describe completed actions in the past. Therefore, the correct answer is "imperfect" because the given words are in the imperfect tense.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Apr 17, 2018Quiz Created by
Melodee Allen
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