Confusing Imperfect and Simple Past

Use 'ibas' to describe an ongoing action in the past, or to talk about habits and routines you had as a child. It describes the background setting of a story.

The Imperfect Tense (Setting the Scene)

'Ir' (to go) is one of the most irregular verbs in Spanish. You simply have to memorize that the 'tú' form for the descriptive past (imperfect) is 'ibas'.

Irregularity of Ir

You can use 'ibas a' followed by a main verb to mean 'you were about to do something' or 'you intended to do something': *Ibas a salir, pero empezó a llover.* (You were about to leave, but it started to rain.)

Describing Past Intentions

Extremely common. This is the way to say 'you were going' or 'you used to go' when speaking informally.

Definition, translation, and usage of the Spanish word 'ibas' (tú imperfect of 'ir'). Learn how to use 'ibas' to describe habitual or continuous actions in the past (you were going / you used to go).

ibas

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations