imperfect
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The imperfect tense is formed by dropping the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, -ir) and adding the correct imperfect endings to the infinitive stem.
 
There are no stem changes in the imperfect. The nosotros of -ar verbs and all -er and -ir forms have accent marks. Only three verbs have irregular forms in the imperfect; ir, ser, and ver
 
ir: iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban
ser: era, eras, era, eramos, erais, eran
ver: veía, veías, veía, veíamos, veíais, veían

Uses of the Imperfect tense

   
It is most often used to describe on-going actions in the past. It is the equivalent to the imperfect progressive.
   
Elena hablaba con Carlos. - Elena was speaking with Carlos.
Elena estaba hablando con Carlos. - Elena was speaking with Carlos.
Mientras José cantaba, Elena bailaba. - While José sang (was singing), Elena was dancing.
   
These on-going actions include habitual actions and descriptions of long-standing conditions.
   
Luis vivía con su tía. - Luis was living with his aunt.
Ella venía tarde. - She used to/would come late.
Había dos teatros. - There were two theaters.
   
It is used to describe a state of mind, a physical state, and to express the time of day in the past.
   
Era una noche oscurra. - It was a dark night.
Quería ir al cine, pero me sentía deprimido. - I wanted to go to the movies, but I felt depressed.
Era la una de la mañana. - It was one o'clock in the morning.
Cuando tenía doce años, yo era muy exigente. - When I was 12 years old, I was very demanding.

 

imperfect tense

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Jaime El Sabio