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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 a specific instance or period of using something in the past. For example, you might say “I used the new software yesterday,” indicating a completed action at a particular time.

This is a regular -ar verb that follows the standard preterite conjugation pattern. The endings are added directly to the stem ‘us-‘ without any modifications.

How to Use Usar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of usar indicates a specific instance or period of using something in the past.

To use: Describes utilizing something for a specific purpose or time, for example, Usé la computadora toda la tarde (I used the computer all afternoon).

To wear: Indicates wearing something on a specific occasion, for example, Usó un vestido rojo en la fiesta (She wore a red dress to the party).

To employ: Refers to implementing or employing a method, for example, Usaron una nueva técnica (They used a new technique).

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

Usé mi nueva computadora por primera vez. (I used my new computer for the first time.)

¿Usaste el regalo que te di? (Did you use the gift I gave you?)

Ella usó el método tradicional. (She used the traditional method.)

Usamos el transporte público ayer. (We used public transportation yesterday.)

Los estudiantes usaron diccionarios en el examen. (The students used dictionaries in the exam.)

Usé toda mi energía en el proyecto. (I used all my energy on the project.)

¿Por qué no usaste el mapa? (Why didn’t you use the map?)

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

Usamos la nueva ruta al trabajo. (We used the new route to work.)

Los artistas usaron técnicas innovadoras. (The artists used innovative techniques.)

Usé el cupón antes de que expirara. (I used the coupon before it expired.)

Mi hermana usó mi computadora sin permiso. (My sister used my computer without permission.)

Usamos todos los recursos disponibles. (We used all available resources.)

Los médicos usaron un nuevo tratamiento. (The doctors used a new treatment.)

Usé mis ahorros para el viaje. (I used my savings for the trip.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

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

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian 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.