Imperfect

The imperfect past describes actions that are ongoing or reoccurring in the past

We can use DUWIT to remember when to use the imperfect tense:

• • Descriptions (Manolo had blue eyes-- Manolo tenía ojos azules)

  • Used to (I used to dance-- Bailaba)

  • Was + ing/ Were + ing (She was singing) Ella cantaba.

  • Internal processes (thinking, feeling, wondering, emotions) (They were sad-- Eran tristes)

  • Time (It was 2:00-- Eran las dos)

We use the imperfect when there is no indication of a definite start or end, the action is ongoing in the past

• • I used to live there (ongoing -- also "Used to" from DUWIT)

  • When I was little, we walked a lot (reoccuring/ ongoing)

  • I used to dance (no definite start or stop)

  • I would never eat oranges when I was a kid (ongoing)

Generalmente-- generally

A menudo-- often

Muchas veces-- many times

Todos los días-- every day

Siempre-- always

Nunca-- never