ast Definite), according to sense.

It is most important to learn the difference between the Imperfect
Indicative and the Past Definite (or Preterite), because these two
tenses admit of no compromise in Spanish.

The =Imperfect Indicative=[146] _describes_ an action or state which was
_present_ when another past action took place, or another past state
existed.

[Footnote 146: Or Descriptive Past.]

The =Past Definite= or =Preterite=[147] _narrates_ an event.[148]

[Footnote 147: Or Narrating Past (this is why it is often called the
Historical Past).]

[Footnote 148: "Napoleon I died in 1821" is an event. "I fell" is
grammatically also an event.]

Consequently, it will be understood that whilst the Past Def. refers to
"one point of time" or "several =separate= points of time," the
Imperfect embraces a whole indefinite period.

The following examples will show clearly the different functions of
these two tenses--

Le escribi una vez (_or_ dos o tres veces) mientras el viajaba en
Argentina: I wrote to him once (or two or three times) whilst he
travelled[149] in Argentina.

[Footnote 149: Travelled--was travelling, but notice that in Spanish we
would also have the progressive form--"estaba viajando."]

Encontre a Luis, quien llevaba levita negra: I met Louis, who wore[150]
a black frock-coat.

[Footnote 150: Wore--was wearing. Here in Spanish the progressive form
"estaba llevando" would not be admissible because there is _no real
progressive action_.]

Hacia grandes negocios cuando residia en Chile: I had a large business
when I resided in Chili.

Los Cartagineses eran un pueblo comercial y emprendedor: The
Carthagenians were a commercial and enterprising people.

El estaba alli cuando yo llegue: He was there when I arrived.

El leia al entrar yo en el bufete del abogado: He was reading when I
entered the lawyer's office.

En Inglaterra trabajaba[151] ocho horas cada dia: In England I worked
(used to work) eight hours a day.

[Footnote 151: As will be seen, the English "was" followed by a pres.
part. or the expression "used to be" may always be rendered by the
Spanish Imperfect, but the Spanish progressive form also exists:
"Estaba leyendo" (he was reading), and "used to" has its equivalent
"solia":--"Solia trabajar 8 horas" (he used to work 8 hours).]

Cada mes recibiamos nuestro sueldo: Each month we received (used to
receive) our pay.

Ayer cerre el contrato: Yesterday I signed the contract.