¿Imperfecto o subjuntivo?

Question

Is the form of "ir" in the following sentence correct?

Siempre llevamos al perro cuando iban al parque.

I chose the imperfect because it is a routine or habitual action.

Answer 1

I would say that both verbs should be in the imperfect.

Siempre llevabamos al perro cuando ibamos al parque.

We always took the dog when we went to the park.

Answer 2

I agree with your use of imperfect, but check that your conjugations correspond to your subject! (i.e. you have llevamos and iban... ¿nosotros o ellos?) Cheers!

Sí, está absolutamente correcto. Mi error. Gracias. - kirk1, Feb 16, 2013

Answer 3

The subordinator "cuando" only takes the subjunctive when the action is ( or was) still in the future. For example:

"Lo haré cuando llegues"

"I'll do it when you arrive"

If the action is a narrative of past action, either the preterite or imperfect is appropriate.