Preterite Vs. Imperfect Trivia Quiz
For each use, choose whether it would be stated in the preterite or imperfect.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Known # of Repitions
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is Preterite because when there is a known number of repetitions, the action is usually expressed using the Preterite tense. The Preterite tense is used to talk about completed actions in the past, and when there is a specific number of repetitions, it implies that the actions were completed at a specific time or for a specific duration. The Imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to talk about ongoing or habitual actions in the past, without specifying a specific number of repetitions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Habits
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the question is asking for the tense that is used to describe habits. The imperfect tense is commonly used to describe actions or habits that were repeated or ongoing in the past.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Completed Action
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "Preterite" because the phrase "Completed Action" suggests that the action being referred to has already been finished or completed in the past. The preterite tense is used to describe actions that occurred and were completed at a specific point in the past.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Series of Completed Actions
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "Preterite" because the question is asking about a series of completed actions. The preterite tense is used to talk about actions that were completed in the past. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. Since the actions in question are completed, the preterite tense is the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Time
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The use of the imperfect tense is appropriate in this context because it indicates an ongoing or repeated action in the past. The word "time" suggests a general or habitual action rather than a specific event that occurred at a particular moment. Therefore, the imperfect tense is more suitable than the preterite tense, which is used for completed actions in the past.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Action BEING INTERRUPTED by Another Action
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The given correct answer suggests that when one action is being interrupted by another action, the imperfect tense is used. This implies that the interrupted action was ongoing or in progress at the time it was interrupted. The imperfect tense is used to describe continuous or habitual actions in the past, while the preterite tense is used for completed actions. Therefore, in this scenario, the imperfect tense is more appropriate to convey the interrupted nature of the action.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Mental, Emotional or Physical STATES
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the question is asking about mental, emotional, or physical states. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, which would be more appropriate for describing states rather than the preterite tense, which is used for completed actions in the past.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Background Information
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The given correct answer is "Imperfect" because the question is asking for the tense that is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. The imperfect tense is used to indicate actions that were ongoing or habitual in the past, while the preterite tense is used to indicate completed actions in the past. Therefore, the correct answer is "Imperfect" as it aligns with the description provided in the question.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Focus on the Beginning or End
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "Preterite" because the phrase "Focus on the Beginning or End" suggests that the action being referred to is a completed or finished action. The preterite tense is used to describe actions that occurred in the past and have a definite beginning and end. 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 in this context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Gives a Description
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the imperfect tense is used to give a description or provide background information about a past event. It is often used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, or to set the scene for a specific event. The preterite tense, on the other hand, is used to indicate completed actions in the past. Therefore, the imperfect tense is the appropriate choice for giving a description.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Action that INTERRUPTS another action
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The preterite tense is used to describe actions that are completed in the past and are seen as a single event. It is often used to indicate actions that interrupt ongoing actions in the past. Therefore, the correct answer for an action that interrupts another action would be the preterite tense.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Ongoing Action
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or continuous actions in the past. The preterite tense, on the other hand, is used to describe completed or one-time actions in the past. Therefore, since the given answer is "Imperfect," it suggests that the action being described is ongoing and not completed.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Unknown Repititions
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the phrase "Unknown Repititions" suggests that the action or event being described in the sentence occurred repeatedly or habitually in the past. The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, while the preterite tense is used to describe completed actions or events. Therefore, the imperfect tense is the most appropriate choice in this context.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Age
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
B. ImperfectExplanation
The correct answer is "Imperfect" because the verb tense "imperfect" is typically used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, while the preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. Since the word "age" does not indicate a specific completed action, but rather a continuous state or ongoing process, the imperfect tense is the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Specific Time Frame
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "Preterite" because the phrase "Specific Time Frame" indicates that the action described in the sentence occurred at a specific point in the past. The preterite tense is used to talk about completed actions in the past that have a definite beginning and end. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past without a specific time frame.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Mental, Emotional or Physical CHANGES
- A.
Preterite
- B.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
A. PreteriteExplanation
The correct answer is "Preterite" because the phrase "Mental, Emotional or Physical CHANGES" suggests a specific moment or event in the past when these changes occurred. The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions or events in the past, which aligns with the idea of a specific moment when the changes took place. The imperfect tense, on the other hand, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, which does not fit the context of the given phrase.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 11, 2015Quiz Created by
Ljm264
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