The preterite tense refers to the simple past and often to a single occurrence within one instance or recurring more specific instances. It is important to understand that the action is rooted in the past and physically and psychologically cut off from the present; the past action has terminated and is in effect complete (in grammar, complete tenses are known as “perfect” ones). The action may be tied to the past in terms of any of the following:

• A particular moment or date. For example: Nací el 12 de junio de 1966. (I was born on June 12, 1966.)

• Several isolated instances. For example: Llamé cinco veces. (I called five times.)

• Duration. For example: En aquel año trabajé en el Cuerpo de Paz. (In that year, I worked in the Peace Corps.)

Conjugating Verbs in the Preterite Tense

As you remember, regular verbs may fall into the -ar, –er, or –ir category. The following table will provide you with the endings you need to learn in order to be able to conjugate verbs in the preterite tense. The regular verbs used as examples are the same as in Chapter 5, where you were first introduced to these verbs: cantar (to sing), aprender (to learn), and vivir (to live). Note that in the preterite, the –er and –ir verbs share identical endings.

–Ar Verb Endings in the Preterite Tense

–Er Verb Endings in the Preterite Tense

–Ir Verb Endings in the Preterite Tense