Imperfect: description and habit
used to / was -ing: -aba, -ía
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used to / was -ing: -aba, -ía
The imperfect describes background or habit in the past: Mi madre era alta. Iba todos los días. Regular -ar uses -aba; -er/-ir use -ía.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Physical or Personality Description
Era is an irregular imperfect of ser. Regular -ar verbs use -aba and regular -er/-ir verbs use -ía.
Mi madre era alta y muy amable.
My mother was tall and very kind.
Repeated Past Habits
Expresses 'used to' or 'would' repeatedly.
Iba a la playa todos los días.
I used to go to the beach every day.
Background Setting
Sets the scene before an action.
Hacía frío y llovía mucho.
It was cold and it was raining a lot.
Common mix-ups
Iba agrees with yo; iban agrees with ellos, ellas, or ustedes. Here the imperfect describes a childhood routine.
When I was a child, I used to go to school.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
As a child, I used to read every night. Use the feminine form of child.
Show one possible answer
De niña, leía todas las noches.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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