English Imperfect Tense
Describing ongoing or habitual past actions. Adapted for English. This English reference focuses on recognition, lookup, and practical reading rather than drills.
Rule 1: Read ongoing past actions
Use this section to read ongoing past actions in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 2: Describe background states
Use this section to describe background states in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 3: Contrast with completed past
Use this section to contrast with completed past in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Examples
I understood the rule in this example.
I understood the rule in this example.
Use this as a English lookup example for background actions.
The form changes according to context.
The form changes according to context.
Use this as a English lookup example for past habits.
English lookup checklist
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Meaning | What does the form contribute to the sentence? |
| Agreement | Does it match person, number, gender, case, or tense? |
| Position | Does placement change emphasis or grammatical role? |
Common Mistakes
- Do not translate the English pattern word-for-word from English.
- Check the whole phrase before deciding what a single form means.
- Watch for register: a correct written form can sound too formal in casual speech.
Lookup Tips
- Start with the example closest to your sentence.
- Identify the trigger word or ending before memorizing a rule.
- Save the topic as a focus if you expect to revisit it.