This A2 Spanish grammar test checks whether learners can form and choose between the preterite (pretérito indefinido) and the imperfect (pretérito imperfecto). It covers regular and common irregular forms, time expressions, background versus completed actions, negatives, questions and typical learner errors. It suits students at the end of A1 or working through A2, either for practice or for assessment.
Choose the correct option (A, B, C or D) for each question. Choose your answers, then press “Check my answers”.
Preview
About this test
This A2 Spanish grammar test checks whether learners can form and choose between the preterite (pretérito indefinido) and the imperfect (pretérito imperfecto). It covers regular and common irregular forms, time expressions, background versus completed actions, negatives, questions and typical learner errors. It suits students at the end of A1 or working through A2, either for practice or for assessment.
Topics covered
Preterite formsImperfect formsTime expressionsHabits vs single actionsInterrupted actionsDescriptions in the pastCommon learner errors
How to use this test
Download the PDF and print it, or take the test online below.
Answer every question without a dictionary or time pressure.
Check your answers and note the topics you need to review.
Notes for teachers
Use Part 1 to check forms before moving on to meaning. Parts 2–4 focus on use. The test targets typical A2 errors: the non-standard 'hicistes/fuistes', missing accents in 'llegué' and 'éramos', invented forms such as 'vivíba', and using the preterite for habits and descriptions. As a follow-up, ask learners to write a short paragraph about their childhood (imperfect) that includes one special day (preterite).
A2 
