"I was reading" in Spanish: imperfect, preterit progressive, imperfect progressive?

Question

What is the difference in meaning between these three sentences and can they be used in the same context?

Cuando estaba leyendo, el teléfono sonó.

Cuando estuve leyendo, el teléfono sonó.

Cuando leía, el teléfono sonó.

I thought that the imperfect tense is used as the equivalent of English past continuous for expressing longer (and/or interrupted) activities, but then I came across the preterit progressive and imperfect progressive.

Answer 1

Hola issa, mira este hilo, ya sé, lazarus es el mejor...qué le vamos a hacer

andaba vs estaba andando vs estuve andando

Hoy: Estuve trabajando todo el día. He estado trabajando todo el día.

Ayer: Estuve trabajando todo el día. He estado trabajando todo el día.

However, "estuve" referred to today, although it is academically unacceptable in Spain, it is the educated standard in many American countries.

Answer 2

The difference in meaning between the imperfect and imperfect progressive when describing an ongoing activity in the past is something that linguists debate. Since the experts don't agree, there probably isn't any real difference in meaning.

link

Answer 3

My guess

Cuando leía, el teléfono sonó.

Better still

Mientras leía, sonó el teléfono.

Answer 4

I believe the imperfect can also be used to "set the stage" for when an event occurred. I've noticed this in sentences where both the imperfect and preterit are used. First the imperfect sets the stage: Cuando estaba leyendo...then the preterit is used as something that has occurred and is now completed... el teléfono sonó.

Answer 5

lazarus es el mejor...qué le vamos a hacer

Does this mean what I think it means??

• Lazurus is the best. Not much we can do about it though. - jeezzle Nov 8, 2009
• Sorry, I don't get you issa, send me a PM - Heidita Nov 8, 2009