How do you say, "She was a writer."

Question

Do I use 'fue' or 'era'?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Depends of what you want to say. I guess in English it is the same but since you use the same word you don't think of the perspective from which you are talking about.

Please, provide more context.

Answer 2

That's one you'll probably just have to listen for over time. In my experience both work in a lot of contexts but communicate a slightly different feel... following the basic principles of preterit vs imperfect.

"Ayer conocí una señora que fue escritora."

"Mí abuela, entre muchas otras cosas, siempre era escritora."

"Cuando yo era joven, escribía mucho."

"Fue un hombre muy alto y fuerte que me atacó anoche."

"Los niños fueron los que me sorprendieron, no los adolescentes."