Valores estilísticos del imperfecto
Valores estilísticos del imperfecto means “Beyond past habit, the imperfect softens, dreams, narrates and plays”. The imperfect has expressive uses beyond describing the past. Formation: imperfecto de cortesía / de deseo / lúdico / narrativo · Quería…, ¿Qué deseaba?
Beyond past habit, the imperfect softens, dreams, narrates and plays
C2Formation
imperfecto de cortesía / de deseo / lúdico / narrativo · Quería…, ¿Qué deseaba?
Explanation
The imperfect has expressive uses beyond describing the past. Courtesy: Quería un café / ¿Qué deseaba? soften a request as if set back in time. Wish/hypothesis: with ojalá or in daydreams — Yo que tú, me iba. Narrative imperfect: to make a past event vivid and prominent in storytelling — Al día siguiente, moría el rey. Children's play: Yo era el rey y tú venías (in make-believe: I'm the king and you come). These stylistic imperfects mark an advanced, native feel.
Examples
Note
Courtesy imperfect distances the request in time to sound softer than the present.
FAQ
Valores estilísticos del imperfecto — what does it mean and how is it used?
Beyond past habit, the imperfect softens, dreams, narrates and plays. The imperfect has expressive uses beyond describing the past. Courtesy: Quería un café / ¿Qué deseaba? soften a request as if set back in time. Wish/hypothesis: with ojalá or in daydreams — Yo que tú, me iba. Narrative imperfect: to make a past event vivid and prominent in storytelling — Al día siguiente, moría el rey. Children's play: Yo era el rey y tú venías (in make-believe: I'm the king and you come). These stylistic imperfects mark an advanced, native feel.
Valores estilísticos del imperfecto — how do you form it?
imperfecto de cortesía / de deseo / lúdico / narrativo · Quería…, ¿Qué deseaba?
Valores estilísticos del imperfecto — any usage notes?
Courtesy imperfect distances the request in time to sound softer than the present.