The preterite of utilizar is used to express a specific instance of using something in the past, for example Utilicé la computadora para escribir el informe (I used the computer to write the report). This tense emphasizes the completed action at a particular moment.

This is a regular -ar verb that requires a spelling change in the first person singular form (utilicé) to maintain the ‘s’ sound before ‘e’.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

The preterite of utilizar describes a completed action of using or utilizing in the past.

To use/utilize: Describes making use of something, for example Utilicé la nueva computadora (I used the new computer) or Utilizaron métodos modernos (They used modern methods).

To employ/implement: Used for implementing strategies or techniques, for example La empresa utilizó una nueva estrategia (The company implemented a new strategy).

Examples

Examples of Utilizar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Utilicé el nuevo programa para el proyecto. (I used the new program for the project.)

Utilizaste todos los recursos disponibles. (You used all the available resources.)

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

Utilizamos el manual de instrucciones. (We used the instruction manual.)

Los estudiantes utilizaron la biblioteca. (The students used the library.)

Utilicé mi experiencia previa. (I used my previous experience.)

Utilizaste el método correcto. (You used the correct method.)

La empresa utilizó nuevas tecnologías. (The company used new technologies.)

Utilizamos el transporte público. (We used public transportation.)

Los artistas utilizaron diferentes técnicas. (The artists used different techniques.)

Utilicé la tarjeta de crédito. (I used the credit card.)

Utilizaste el diccionario correctamente. (You used the dictionary correctly.)

El doctor utilizó el nuevo equipo. (The doctor used the new equipment.)

Utilizamos herramientas especializadas. (We used specialized tools.)

Los científicos utilizaron el laboratorio. (The scientists used the laboratory.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense 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.