Difference between Pretérito Perfecto and Indefinido
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One of the common mistakes made by Spanish students is the difference between the Pretérito Perfecto and the Indefinido. This lesson will show you how to use both tenses.
Pretérito perfecto | Indefinido |
---|---|
For actions completed at a recent moment in time. El correo ha llegado. (The mail has arrived.) | For an action completed at a specific moment in the past. El avión aterrizó a las doce en punto. (The plane landed at four o’clock.) |
For actions or events occurring in the past that do not refer to a concrete time. Ana nos ha esperado en recepción. (Ana has waited for us in the reception area.) | For an action or event that lasted for a specific period of time when you can determine how long the action took place. Esperó dos horas en la estación. (He waited for two hours at the station.) |
For an action or event initiated in the past that is continuing into the present. Hemos vivido aquí por más de 7 años. (We have lived here for over 7 years.) | For series of actions or events completed in the past even if you cannot determine when these actions took place or for how long. Me levanté, desayuné, me duché y me fui a trabajar. (I woke up, had breakfast, took a shower and went to work.) |
/ | For actions that are not usually repeated using the following expressions: Mi hija cumplió 4 años. (My daughter turned 4.) |
The actions in “Pretérito Perfecto” are related to the present whereas the actions in Indefinido are not.
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Pretérito Perfecto | Indefinido |
---|---|
hoy (today) | ayer (yesterday) |
hace dos horas (two hours ago) | anteayer (the day before yesterday) |
esta semana (this week) | anoche (Last night) |
estos días (these days) | la semana pasada (last week) |
este martes/ mes/ año (this Tuesday/month/ year) | el mes/ año pasado (last month/year) |
nunca (never) | hace tres semanas (3 weeks ago) |
todavía no/ ya (not yet/ already) | en 2001 (in 2001) |
alguna vez (sometime) | de repente (suddenly) |
últimamente/ en los últimos tiempos (lately) | el día de su cumpleaños (the day of his birthday) |
hace poco (recently) | al comenzar mi trabajo (when I started working) |
If you would like to know more about the uses and the conjugation of Pretérito Perfecto and the Pretérito Indefinido, then have a look at our pages!
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Hello! My name is Valeria. I'm glad you took an interest in my profile. Let me tell you a bit more about myself. I'm really passionate about languages, and I can speak and teach English, Spanish, and Turkish. I am currently learning Korean, French, and Arabic. For this reason, you can be sure that I know what it's like to go through the process of learning a language and I can find the best ways to help you reach your language goals, taking into account the perspectives of both the teacher and the learner.
In my 9 years as a teacher, I have mostly worked with adult learners (aged 18 or older), with a particular focus on:
1. General, conversational, business or academic English (although I can teach any level, I specialize in intermediate and advanced classes).
2. General and conversational Spanish classes.
3. Basic and intermediate Turkish lessons (I am a C2 and I have been studying Turkish for 7 years).
In addition to the classes, I can help you prepare for presentations, business meetings or calls, traveling abroad, entertaining visitors, among others.
I love to teach students with completely different backgrounds, cultures, professions, and needs. My classes are and have always been completely personalized to fit students' needs. You will really notice a big difference from previous classes you may have taken because we will be focusing on filling the gaps that you may have and developing your language skills as needed. No one-size-fits-all here! Take a chance and sample one class. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
EXTRA: If you want to know more details about my classes: I work with a virtual classroom created using Google Classroom exclusively for your personal use. Here, I place all the materials we will use during our class, including a Word file where I will write your feedback for every class (New Vocabulary, Pronunciation Corrections, and New Grammar) so you can check it whenever you like.
I also create interactive Quizlet and Kahoot exercises that we will use during the class but that you can also use to practice on your own so you can reach your goals more quickly and in a fun way. In addition to this, we will use videos, songs, podcasts, articles, grammar PPTs and exercises, and whatever material you are interested in using.
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Valeria is a great English teacher, she has good materials ! English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are related on her courses !
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Hello everyone!
My name is Lucia and I have been teaching English for 13 years now.
I am a CELTA and CELTYL qualified senior language trainer, a mentor and a qualified teacher trainer as well.
I absolutely love teaching English in a fun, engaging manner that is appealing to all my students. I like discussing all lessons with students so that each course can meet their needs at every moment.
Lessons should be relaxing, motivating and enjoyable and I always like to hear my students say at the end of the lesson:
"Hey! Teacher! When did this lesson finish? It feels like we've just started!"
So, if you would like to learn English, prepare for your Cambridge exam, or just improve your communications skills I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ALL.
See you all during the lessons!
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Lucia is an English teacher since 13 years. Lucia prepares students and nurses to English certifications as Cambridge certificate. Indeed she adaptes her lessons according what you like and what you want to learn. Lucia creates and personalizes each of her English courses with different learning materials as books or powerpoint presentation, even pictures are made by herself ! She is very involved in her students progress and also very communicative with them providing a great atmosphere during her courses. I recommend her !
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José Luis has been teaching Spanish for about ten years. He has a wide international experience and he's able to teach to different kind of students according to their level and their needs. His classes are carefully structured and organized.
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Elhamy is a nice person which wants to share his experiences. His learning materials mix grammar, discussion and english expression !
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Hey!
My name is Jayma and I am working as an English Language Assistant in France.
I have a teaching experience of more that 5 years. My approach is activity based to make learning interesting.
I can speak French Spanish Hindi. I can also follow school curriculum if required.
See you and have a great day!
Jayma is a nice and organized teacher ! She creates a lesson based on your demands and makes it with fun !
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Hello everyone! My name is Matias Pizarro, but you can call me Matt. I am 30 years old, and I am from Argentina.
At first, teaching online was a challenge, not for the knowledge, the didactic or the way to get to students, but for the whole new set of resources at my disposal and how to use them effectively. The variety of tricks with the camera, magic, puppets, the limit was my imagination; that feeling was really overwhelming. But, as I said at first, I took this as a challenge, a new way of expanding my inner resourses and finally, widening my understanding about teaching.
Working with kids was the most important and significant choice in my professional career as a teacher, because I discovered the real meaning of being an educator. I understood that it's not just about teaching the subject, but guiding and supporting students; being an inspiring person. I like to comprehend teaching by a very beautiful phrase that stands: Be the person that you needed when you were young.
If you choose me as your teacher, I promise that you will learn a lot of things while having a great time together!
See you in our class! Bye!
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Matias Alejandro has 10 years of experience in teaching English and Spanish to people of all ages and cultures. During his lessons he will use video and books to help you achieve your goals.
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Laura is kind and a native ! She will learn you Mexican culture and expressions from Mexico ! Her learning materials are based on your demands and on discussions.
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Guy is an experienced French teacher in Cameroun. He is used to working with kids, teenagers and adults and for different level. Students can learn French grammar, vocabulary and have a conversion with him.
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Hello! I'm Ana, from Cordoba (Spain).
- Try one of my lessons for free.
- Classes adapted to the level and age of the student.
- I have a master's degree in secondary education and language teaching, and lots of resources to make the classes fun.
- Join my classes if you are looking for a good time or to practise for an official Spanish exam.
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Ana is a smiling and nice Spanish teacher ! She adaptes her lessons to students demands and level. Students can learn Spanish by speaking, grammar and vocabulary exercises or videos ! She is passioned by teaching to foreign people and she is involved on students progress. I recommend her !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Ana J.Thank you very much for your kind words :)
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It was a very good first lesson. Isabel was very helpul and explaining very clearly. Looking forward to the next lesson.
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If you are struggling with Afrikaans as a first additional language I can help.
I will teach you how to get the best marks for prepared and unprepared orals.
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Louisa is a great Afrikaans teacher ! She teaches Afrikaans to kids, teenagers and adults with different methods : videos, musics, discussions and exercises for practicing afrikaans grammar and vocabulary ! Her lessons are very attractive and based on your demands, your interests and your needs. Moreover Louisa is a smiling and nice person, students will have confidence and be comfortable with her !
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Louisa S.Thank you so much for your kind words Clémence B.
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Hi, my name is Stefany and I am Colombian, but I live on the small island of Malta. I love teaching Spanish in this place because I have the opportunity to do it in many ways: on the beach, in a Cafe, or in a house. This allows me to be flexible and resourceful to give dynamic and effective classes that adapt to the needs of my students. I encourage you to book a free trial class with me, so you can find a fun and easy way to learn Spanish.
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Stefany is a great teacher, with only 12 sessions and I already feel a great improvement in my Spanish language skills! She uses very interactive material such as games and videos. She takes into account your level and goals and tailors the classes in a way that is more suitable for you! I am also really happy with her explanations and examples, which have been really helpful in understanding new topics, vocabulary, and grammar! I am very satisfied with the choice of teacher I have made and can highly recommend reaching out to her and starting your Spanish language acquisition journey with Stefany by your side!
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¡Hola! Привет! Hello!
Learn SPANISH, RUSSIAN or ENGLISH with me!
I'm Marina, a qualified and experienced foreign languages teacher.
My studies:
Teacher of foreign languages. Translator.
Teaching experience:
I've been working as a teacher for 8 years (teaching, online and offline tutoring).
¡Nos vemos!
Happy to be your teacher!
До скорого!
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Marina is a really nice teacher with almost ten years of experience. She's been teaching different languages (Russian, Spanish, English) to students having different needs, different ages and different levels. She does a great use of online learning tools and her learning materials are good.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Marina N.Thank you very much Sara for the interview and your kind words! It's always a pleasure to work with a professional who cares!
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Hello! My name is Ainhoa, I am Spanish and I live in Bilbao, a city in the north of Spain. I love languages and learning about new cultures, that is why I decided to teach Spanish. I find it very gratifying to see the students improve.
I am patient and cheerful, and I strive to create a comfortable environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes. I am positive and I firmly believe that anyone with effort, perseverance and correct accompaniment can improve.
I am an online Spanish teacher certified by ELE International and I have been teaching Spanish since 2019. In 2020 I formalized my business and became freelance.
In these years, I have studied Spanish grammar thoroughly and I have tried many teaching methods that were taught to me in my training, which has led me to create my own method with what I have seen has given better results. I use spaced repetition, create projects, do real-life rollplays, and have the student come to the correct conclusion on their own using questions. For all this, we will use manuals that will guide your learning, the campus diffusion books.
I have helped students of all levels to improve Spanish until they can speak correctly. Each student learns differently and has their own challenges, so I have learned which resources work best for each person.
In my classes you will find a smily face and a relaxed atmosphere, in which you will feel free to ask questions as much as necessary and to express yourself without fear of mistakes.
See you soon!
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Ainhoa is a very competent teacher, she knows what she is doing and will help you achieve your goals in learning Spanish.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
I got certified with the University of Cambridge TKT test, developed empathy to students, polished my method, and the last 5 years I have been teaching english in an online environment.
After years teaching online, I can say that the computer screen is not a limitation. I love to see my students thrive in a new language, I develop my own exercises too, My classes are fun, dynamic and interesting to say the least, I believe I have the patience to create exercises and drills for my students and approach learning from a different perspective and overcome boredom, tiredness and lack of discipline.
I work with realia mostly, and I can tell you that nothing is more powerful than things and situations that are personal to a person.
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Manuel is an incredibly nice and fun teacher who will do everything he can to make you improve with the language while also keeping your interest and your attention high. He pays a lot of attention to the student's needs and requests and to his/her reasons to study the language. He will make you feel comfortable and surely you won't get bored.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Manuel Q.Thanks for such nice words!
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