Cuando estaba caminado, encontre mi lapiz

Question

When I learned el imperfecto, my teacher told me to say "I was doing X when Y happened" I put X in the imperfective and Y in the preterite. For example: "While I was walking, I found my pencil" is "Cuando caminaba, encontré mi lapiz".

But, I've also heard people say "Cuando estaba caminando, encontré mi lapiz". What's the difference between using the imperective and the past-progressive here? Or do they mean the same thing?

Answer 1

What's the difference between using the imperfect and the past-progressive here? Or do they mean the same thing?

As LLiones says, I use them interchangeably.

• Estaba hablando con mi Mamá cuando Estéban llegó.

• Hablaba con mi Mamá cuando Estéban llegó.

I was talking to my Mom when Steven arrived.

Answer 2

Yo como español, utilizo las dos formas indiferentemente. Es decir las dos podrían ser correctas para mi.