When to use Ser in Preterite? An easy guide for Spanish learners

Irregular verbs can be problematic for Spanish students – the verb “ser” is one of the most irregular and most commonly used verbs in Spanish. Though typically students are introduced to the verb ser after learning its present tense conjugation, another form that I think is equally as important is to master when to use the preterite form of ser. This post will discuss the spanish ser preterite and demonstrate its major differences with ser imperfect, while giving you some helpful examples.

What Is Ser and Why Is It Important?

the verb ser (the infinitive) With ser, we are talking about essential characteristics, which is: –> Who you are?–> Where are you from?–> What time is it?–> What are you?–> Who is your father?–> I am a teacher.ser/posts/ ser 2 What is SER? and when do I use this? – > Johannes Gutenber 2. It is one of two “to be” verbs in Spanish, the other being “estar.” But “estar” usually denotes temporary a situation, while “ser” defines more permanent or inherent qualities.

Knowing just how “ser” works in various tenses is important if you want to communicate successfully in Spanish. The preterite form of “ser” is especially helpful when discussing events and situations that happened in the past.

Ser Preterite Conjugation

“Ser” has the same preterite conjugation as “ir” (to go). This doubling up of meaning can be confusing for learners but in general a discernible context will assign the appropriate meaning. Here’s“ser” conjugated in the preterite tense:

Even though these forms are identical to the “ir” forms, in context it is easy to tell which verb it is. For example:

She was a teacher for 20 years. (She had been a teacher for 20 years.)
We had been friends since childhood. (We had been friends since I was a child.)

In each case the meaning is associated with “ser,” rather than with “ir.”

They are used When to Use Ser in the Preterite

ser in the preterite First of all, remember to use ser in the preterite when talking about:

Past perfect tense states or situations

Those are incidents with a clear start and stop.
Example: The meeting was at Juan’s office. (The meeting was held at Juan’s office.)

Occurences that were “done” in the past

When indicating a place or time of an action.
Example: The wedding was last Saturday. (The couple was married last Saturday.)

Perceptions or opinions of a complete event

Example: The film was really good. (The movie was excellent.)

It was sunny and peaceful day. (It was a peaceful, sunny day.)

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Confusing Ser with Ir

Both verbs share a common preterite so make sure your reader has enough information to know which verb was intended.

Fuimos al cine. (We went to the movies. → “ir”)
Fuimos compañeros de clase. (We were classmates. → “ser”)

Overusing the Imperfect

Some students fall back on the imperfect, as it is perceived to be safer when dealing with the general. But that way it could also get bang in the meaning if the preterit is more fitting.

Noticing Time Markers

Using time markers to help indicate which tense should be chosen:

Ayer, anoche, el año pasado → It would be likely preterite.
Always, often, when young → almost certainly not perfect.

Practice Sentences

Determine if “ser” should be in the preterite or the imperfect:

a great leader for many years.

(Era – ongoing condition)

The _ at the catherdral.
(Fue – specific past event)
1. When I was a child, we went to the park every Sunday.
(Éramos – Infancy, habit,duration)
1. The concert _ fantastic.

(Fue – opinion completed about an event filler)
1. una persona muy generosa.
(Era as in ‘a long time in past description’)

Mini Quiz

Pair up each sentence with the appropriate “ser” form:

We _ very good students.
La película _ aburrida.
When I _ young, I lived in Madrid.
The meeting _ Carlos’ place.
Tú _ mi mejor amigo.

Answers:

éramos

fue

era

fue

eras

Conclusion

Learning the ser preterite is a milestone in your quest to speak Spanish fluently. The shared forms with “ir” may sounds a bit confusing at first, but with a solid context and some regular practice, the two become fairly obvious. And being able to choose ser preterite vs. ser imperfect (again, our parent keyword) helps students to be able to speak about past actions precisely and confidently.

For optimal effect try writing short blocks of text with a combination of both tenses. Notice the temporal and context clues that will lead you toward a proper form. Later on, “fue” and “era” will feel natural to you!