In this Spanish grammar lesson, you will learn about poder in preterite vs imperfect.
In this lesson you will learn about:
- poder in preterite vs imperfect
- how poder in preterite vs imperfect are used in sentences
- how you can quiz yourself on poder in preterite vs imperfect
- how you can practice with flashcards on poder in preterite vs imperfect
- how and why you should use the courses of Language Atlas to learn Spanish
By the end of the lesson you will know all about poder in preterite vs imperfect!
Table of Contents
Poder in Preterite vs Imperfect
In the preterite, poder means “managing/succeeding (or not) to do something“.
Here are some examples:
Juan pudo visitar a su padre en el hospital.
Juan could/managed to visit his father in hospital.
Cuando se enteró, no pudo evitar que se le cayeran las lágrimas.
When she heard the news, she couldn’t (manage to) stop the tears from flowing.
You know the outcomes when you use poder in the preterite.
In the imperfect, poder doesn’t tell you about the result.
So you don’t know if someone managed or succeeded in doing something or not.
Juan podía visitar a su padre en el hospital.
Juan could visit his father in hospital.
Cuando se enteró, no podía evitar que se le cayeran las lágrimas.
When she heard the news, she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
You don’t know the outcomes when you use poder in the imperfect.
Example Sentences with Poder in Preterite vs Imperfect
This section of the lesson on poder in preterite vs imperfect is about seeing the verbs used in sentences.
This is valuable because you can improve your understanding of poder in preterite vs imperfect through examples.
Juan pudo visitar a su padre en el hospital.
Juan could/managed to visit his father in hospital.
Cuando se enteró, no pudo evitar que se le cayeran las lágrimas.
When she heard the news, she couldn’t (manage to) stop the tears from flowing.
Juan podía visitar a su padre en el hospital.
Juan could visit his father in hospital.
Cuando se enteró, no podía evitar que se le cayeran las lágrimas.
When she heard the news, she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
No pudimos contactar con ellos hasta bien entrada la noche.
We were not able (did not manage) to contact them until late in the evening.
Después de mucho esfuerzo, pudieron abrir la ventana.After much effort, they were able (managed) to open the window.
Mi despertador se rompió y no pude encontrar mi teléfono.My alarm clock broke and I couldn’t (manage to) find my phone.
Julia dijo que no podía aceptar un regalo como see.
Julia said she could not accept such a gift.
Samuel no podía ver el lago desde donde estaba parado.
Samuel could not see the lake from where he was standing.
Por aquel entonces no podíais estar juntos, era imposible por la distancia.
At that time you couldn’t be together, it was impossible because of the distance. [vosotros]
Ustedes podían llamar al chófer para que viniera a recogerles.
You could call the driver to come and pick you up.
Quiz Yourself on Poder in Preterite vs Imperfect
At the end of every lesson you can do a small quiz.
You will see the sentences of the previous chapter.
You will either need to fill in the blanks, choose the correct multiple choice option, or both.
Once you are done the correct answer will be shown.
You can redo the quiz as many times as you want!
How to Practice With Flashcards for This Lesson
Using flashcards is an absolute necessity when it comes to learning a language!
It is the best way to memorize what you learn, you can personalize your progression because it adapts to your actions, and all flashcards have audio to improve your hearing and pronunciation.
Please read our article on how to learn a new language for more information on flashcards and the best way to learn a new language.
There are two ways to practice with Flashcards for this lesson.
- Anki
- The Flashcards in our Courses
Anki is a free software with which you can create and practice flashcards.
After you have downloaded Anki for free, you can get our Spanish B2 Anki Deck.
This Anki Deck contains 1,376 flashcards with which you can practice absolutely everything for Spanish B2.
All the flashcards have text, images, explanations, and audio.
You can also use our courses that have flashcards integrated alongside lessons with audio, quizzes and much more!
However, I am sure you are wondering, what are your courses, and why should I take them?
The Courses of Language Atlas
Have you ever wondered what the best way is to learn a new language?
I have been learning languages for over 20+ years and I was always frustrated with books, courses, and classes that I had tried.
It never really seemed to work for me.
I wanted to learn a language in the most effective and efficient way, and there was nothing out there for me.
So I thought, “why not make something myself?“.
Using my experience and by doing research I created Language Atlas, a platform where people can learn French and Spanish in the most effective and efficient way.
I created free lessons and quizzes so that there would always be an easy and accessible way for people to learn or brush up on their language skills.
However, I also created courses that are much more comprehensive and in-depth.
These courses are easy to follow, clear, and allow you to become fluent in the most effective and efficient way.
The courses of Language Atlas have:
- 800+ Lessons with audio
- 800+ Quizzes
- 10,000 Flashcards with explanations, images, and audio
- A gamified way of learning a new language
- A vibrant community (including support from me)
You can register for free and try the French A0/A1 and Spanish A0/A1 Courses for free!
This includes over 60 lessons and quizzes, 500 flashcards that adapt to how you learn, and access to the community (including support from me).
All you have to do is study 30 minutes a day and you will be fluent in no time!
Don’t miss out – register for free and start learning!
