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Conjugation Chart

“Usar” (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense

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Understanding the Preterite (Past) Tense of “Usar”

The preterite of usar is used to express when someone used something at a specific moment or for a defined period in the past. For example, when you want to say “I used my new computer yesterday” – “Usé mi computadora nueva ayer.”

This is a regular -ar verb in the preterite tense. It follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern without any stem changes or spelling adjustments.

How to Use Usar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The Preterite of usar expresses completed uses or applications.

To use (specific instance): Describes using something for a completed period, for example Usé la computadora toda la mañana (I used the computer all morning), or Usaron el nuevo sistema (They used the new system).

To employ/implement: Indicates applying a method or strategy, for example Usé una técnica diferente (I used a different technique).

Real Life Examples of Usar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Usé mi nuevo teléfono por primera vez. (I used my new phone for the first time.)

¿Usaste mi computadora ayer? (Did you use my computer yesterday?)

Ella usó el vestido rojo en la fiesta. (She wore the red dress to the party.)

Usamos el metro para llegar. (We used the subway to get there.)

Los científicos usaron un nuevo método. (The scientists used a new method.)

Usé la receta de mi abuela. (I used my grandmother’s recipe.)

¿Por qué usaste mi tarjeta? (Why did you use my card?)

El chef usó ingredientes locales. (The chef used local ingredients.)

Usamos el nuevo software. (We used the new software.)

Los estudiantes usaron diccionarios. (The students used dictionaries.)

Usé el regalo que me diste. (I used the gift you gave me.)

¿Cuándo usaste esto por última vez? (When did you last use this?)

El artista usó colores brillantes. (The artist used bright colors.)

Usamos máscaras durante la pandemia. (We used masks during the pandemic.)

Ellos usaron herramientas especiales. (They used special tools.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.