recompensar Preterite Conjugation
recompensar — to reward
Use preterite like 'recompensé' for completed past actions.
recompensar Preterite Forms
When to Use the Preterite
The preterite is for actions in the past that have a clear beginning and end. If you rewarded someone at a specific point in time, or a reward was given and completed, use the preterite.
Notes on recompensar in the Preterite
'Recompensar' is a regular -ar verb in the preterite. The endings are standard: -é, -aste, -ó, -amos, -asteis, -aron.
Example Sentences
Yo recompensé a los voluntarios por su ayuda.
I rewarded the volunteers for their help.
yo
¿Tú recompensaste su paciencia?
Did you reward his patience?
tú
Ella recompensó el esfuerzo del equipo.
She rewarded the team's effort.
él/ella/usted
Nos recompensaron con un día libre.
They rewarded us with a day off.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect 'recompensaba' instead of the preterite 'recompensé' for a single past action.
Correct: For a specific, completed act of rewarding, use the preterite: 'recompensé'.
Why: The preterite marks a finished event, while the imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Mistake: Forgetting the accent on the 'é' in 'recompensé'.
Correct: The 'yo' form needs the accent: 'recompensé'.
Why: The accent differentiates the 'yo' preterite from the 'nosotros' present indicative ('recompensamos') and marks the stress.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: recompenso
Use present tense like 'recompenso' for current actions or habits.
Imperfect
yo: recompensaba
Use imperfect like 'recompensaba' for past habits or descriptions.
Future
yo: recompensaré
Use future like 'recompensaré' for actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: recompensaría
Use conditional like 'recompensaría' for hypotheticals ('would').
Present Subjunctive
yo: recompense
Use present subjunctive like 'recompense' after wishes, doubts, or emotions.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: recompensara
Use imperfect subjunctive like 'recompensara' for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: recompensa
Use imperative forms like 'recompensa' (tú) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no recompenses
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands, like 'no recompenses' (tú).