10.2 The Preterite and the Imperfect – Flashcards

Había (Imperfect b/c it describes an ongoing past action with no reference to its beginning or end - "There were many people on the street.")

entramos (Preterite b/c it expresses the beginning or end of a past action - "At 12:30, Tom and I entered the restaurant Tárcoles.")

almorzaba (Imperfect b/c it expresses habitual past actions and events - "Every day I had lunch with Thomas at noon.")

llegó (Preterite b/c it expresses the beginning or end of a past action - "The waiter came immediately to give us the menu.")

volvió (Preterite b/c it expresses the beginning or end of a past action - "Suddenly, the waiter returned to our table.")

Llovía; salimos (1. Imperfect b/c it describes physical/emotional states and characteristics - it was raining when...) (2. Preterite b/c it expresses actions that are viewed by the speaker as completed - ...when we left the restaurant.)