Question

Explain the difference between the preterite and the imperfect.?

Answer 1

Pretérito: used to express actions that are over and done with.
Example: Aprendí el vocabulario (I learned the vocabulary)
Preterite is also used to state quick facts.
Example: George Washington fue el presidente de los Estados Unidos
Imperfecto: Also used to describe pas actions, but ones that ay not have finished yet or that you plan to go into more detail about, also used when trying to say that you were doing something and then you were interrupted by something (the something that interrupted you would be in the preterite)
Example: Leía el artículo cuando mi hermano me golpeó. (I was reading the article when my brother hit me). The drawing might help a little.
The difference between preterite and imperfect is difficult and will take a while to get he hang of. Don't lose hope. If you still have lots of trouble, ask your teacher. I also recommend Barron's spanish grammar guide book thingy. It's on amazon, it's cheap, and it's got all the grammar you'll need. I have it, and It's accurate. and helpful. Good luck.