usó
oo-SOH
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella usó todo el dinero para comprar el regalo.
A1She used all the money to buy the gift.
Mi jefe usó un software nuevo para la presentación.
A2My boss used new software for the presentation.
Usted usó su influencia para conseguir el trato.
B1You (formal) used your influence to get the deal.
💡 Grammar Points
The Accent is Key
The accent mark on the 'ó' is essential! It tells you this action happened and finished in the past. Without the accent ('uso'), the word means 'I use' (present tense) or 'use' (the noun).
Preterite Tense Function
'Usó' is the simple past tense, used for single actions that were completed at a specific time in the past (e.g., 'yesterday,' 'last week').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Past vs. Present
Mistake: "Él uso la llave. (Missing accent)"
Correction: Él usó la llave. (The accent is needed to show the action is finished in the past.)
Confusing 'Usó' and 'Usaba'
Mistake: "Ella usaba su cámara ayer. (Incorrect use of imperfect)"
Correction: Ella usó su cámara ayer. (Since 'yesterday' shows a finished action, we need the simple past 'usó'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Identifying the Subject
Remember that 'usó' can refer to 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted). Always check the context or the noun before the verb to know who performed the action.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: usó
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'usó'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'usó' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is necessary to indicate that this is the simple past tense (preterite) form. It distinguishes it from the present tense ('uso' = I use) and ensures it is pronounced correctly with stress on the last syllable: oo-SOH.
Can 'usó' be used for something that happened repeatedly in the past?
No. 'Usó' refers to a single, completed action (e.g., 'He used the phone once'). For repeated or habitual actions in the past (e.g., 'She used to use the phone every day'), you should use the imperfect tense, 'usaba'.