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Imperfetto

Definition

The imperfetto is a past tense in Italian that is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. It is often used to set the scene or provide background information.

Analogy

Think of the imperfetto as a snapshot of a continuous action in the past, like watching a movie scene unfold frame by frame.

Related terms

Passato Prossimo: A different past tense that is used for completed actions in the past.

Condizionale: A mood used to express hypothetical or uncertain situations.

Presente: The present tense, which describes actions happening now.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.