Note 8.1 — SIN QUERER
Reading edition
pareció. According to strict rule, the preterit tense may indicate any definite past action, even if it took place only a moment ago. However, for actions so recent that they almost touch the present, the perfect (e.g. ha parecido) is the common tense. The preterit, when sparingly and skilfully applied, adds variety and vigor to the phrase. It is especially preferred in describing something inevitable. The English translation requires the perfect (e.g. 'has appeared') or (occasionally) even the present.