Passato prossimo vs imperfetto
Choose the past tense that fits the story and learn why it works.
Compare the two past tenses
Choose the tense that fits
Check the explanation
Choose what the reader sees.
The past tense changes how an event is presented. A long event can be complete; a short action can be background.
Pioveva. Le strade erano vuote.
It was raining. The streets were empty.
Imperfetto puts us inside the scene, without showing its beginning or end.
Ha piovuto tutta la notte presents the whole night of rain as a completed period.
Try it in context
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