There are situations in which the use of either "imperfect" or "indefinite" to express past actions is a matter of context or nuance, either choice being 'grammatically' permissible. Here, in this page, we illustrate situations in which the choice is more clear cut, the alternative grammatically incorrect or leading to an altogether different meaning.
Question #1 - Gloss.?
Question #2 - Gloss.?
Question #3 - Gloss.?
Question #4 - Gloss.?
Question #5 - Gloss.?
Question #6 - Gloss.?
Question #7 - Gloss.?
Question #8 - Gloss.?
Question #9 - Gloss.?
Question #10 - Gloss.?
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Improper verb use for begining of state.
Proper verb use for begining of state.
If the verbal action marks the begining of a state, the preterite is used.
Improper verb use for indirect discourse.
Proper verb use for indirect discourse.
Present of direct discourse switches to imperfect for past indirect discourse.
Improper verb use for indirect discourse.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper specification of time of day, calendar time, or age.
Specification of time of day or calendar date or years of age in the past use the imperfect.
Improper specification of time of day, calendar time, or age.
Improper verb use for 'telling' of media.
Proper verb use for 'telling' of media.
When the verb expresses that a 'media' (letter, telegram, radio, etc.) is 'saying' something, the imperfect is used.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Plausible optional verb use dependent on context.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
Improper verb use for actions refered to a defined period of time.
Proper verb use for begining of state.
If the verbal action marks the begining of a state, the preterite is used.
Improper verb use for begining of state.
Improper specification of time of day, calendar time, or age.
Proper specification of time of day, calendar time, or age.
Specification of time of day or calendar date or years of age in the past use the imperfect.
There are situations in which the use of either "imperfect" or "indefinite" to express past actions is a matter of context or nuance, either choice being 'grammatically' permissible. Here, in this page, we illustrate situations in which the choice is more clear cut, the alternative grammatically incorrect or leading to an altogether different meaning.
The issues covered are:
Specification of time of day or calendar date or years of age in the past use the imperfect.
Present of direct discourse switches to imperfect for past indirect discourse.
When the verb expresses that a 'media' (letter, telegram, radio, etc.) is 'saying' something, the imperfect is used.
If the time in which the action took place is specifically defined, the preterite is used, whether the time span is an instant or eons.
If the verbal action marks the begining of a state, the preterite is used.
This is a situation not covered in this page. Please consult appropriate drill page.
Copyright 1996 Samuel Schiminovich.
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