Preterit vs Imperfect (How to Distinguish)

Summary

This video explains the differences between the predate and imperfect verb tenses in English, focusing on their specific usages. The predate is used for actions with defined beginnings or endings, such as starting or finishing tasks, while the imperfect describes ongoing actions, physical states, or emotional conditions without a clear timeframe. The speaker encourages learners to practice using these tenses through exercises in textbooks and online, emphasizing their relevance in storytelling and narrative descriptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The predate and the imperfect are two verb tenses used to express actions in the past.
• 😀 The predate is used for completed actions or events with a specific starting point or duration.
• 😀 Examples of predate usage include 'I began to study yesterday' and 'I spent six hours reading.'
• 😀 The imperfect tense describes ongoing actions without a defined beginning or end.
• 😀 Examples of imperfect usage include 'I used to read a lot when I was a kid' and 'I was reading yesterday.'
• 😀 The imperfect is often used to describe physical or mental states, such as 'I wasn't feeling very well yesterday.'
• 😀 The imperfect can also be employed in storytelling to set the scene with additional details.
• 😀 A common structure for storytelling in the predate involves a series of completed actions.
• 😀 Mixing the predate and imperfect can enhance narrative depth and emotional context.
• 😀 Practice is encouraged by engaging with textbooks and online exercises to distinguish between the two tenses.

Q & A

What are the two verb tenses discussed in the transcript?

The two verb tenses discussed are the predate and the imperfect.

When do we use the predate tense?

The predate tense is used when indicating the start or finish of an action, specifying the exact duration of time an action took, or describing a series of completed actions.

Can you provide an example of using the predate tense?

An example of using the predate tense is: 'Yesterday I began to study' or 'Last week I finished the novel.'

What characterizes the imperfect tense?

The imperfect tense describes ongoing actions without a specified beginning or end, often indicating habits or states of being.

What is an example of the imperfect tense in use?

An example of the imperfect tense is: 'I was reading yesterday,' where the start and finish of the action are not specified.

How does the transcript suggest using the words 'used to'?

The transcript suggests that 'used to' can indicate an ongoing action in the past, as in 'I used to read a lot when I was a kid.'

In what contexts does the transcript recommend using the imperfect tense?

The imperfect tense is recommended for describing physical or mental states, such as 'I wasn't feeling very well yesterday,' and for scene-setting in storytelling.

What does the transcript say about storytelling and these tenses?

The transcript notes that the predate tense moves the story forward with completed actions, while the imperfect tense can provide additional details about the setting or states during the story.

What strategies does the speaker suggest for practicing these tenses?

The speaker suggests trying out examples on your own, using textbooks and online resources where you choose between the predate and the imperfect in practice paragraphs.

What is the overall purpose of the discussion on the predate and imperfect tenses?

The overall purpose is to clarify the differences between the predate and imperfect tenses, helping learners understand when to use each in the context of past actions and storytelling.