To use tuvimos or teníamos?

Question

El otro día vino Lara a casa; quería tomar café pero no (teníamos). Am I correct to use teníamos or should I have used tuvimos, I feel that teníamos is more appropriate as it helps to set the scene.

You´re right because Pretérito tense is for an action that has begun and ended. - 005faa61, Jan 24, 2011

Answer 1

Yes, you are right.

Answer 2

Yes. When describing, always use the imperfect instead of the simple past.

Always? I don't think so.... - Agora, Jan 24, 2011

It's OK. Let's agree to disagree. :-) - gone, Jan 24, 2011

Answer 3

You could also use the preterite: her wanting something set the scene in the imperfect and the inability to provide it was an event that could be put in the preterite. It really depends on what you are trying to say. Putting it in the imperfect is also fine.