Estuve + Gerundio

Question

What does "vistas" mean in "Se utiliza para acciones acabadas pero vistas en su desarrollo". This describes when to use "Estuve + gerundio",cheers Mick.

Who is Mick? - annierats, Nov 7, 2015

Sorry, you're Mick, you need a comma. Cheers,(comma) Mick. I thought you were thanking an unknown Mick.. - annierats, Nov 7, 2015

Hiya annierats, well spotted.Cheers,Mick. - omicko, Nov 7, 2015

Answer 1

This is how I would read it:

Se utiliza para acciones acabadas pero vistas en su desarrollo

Se utiliza: it is utilized

para acciones: for the purpose of actions

acabadas: (that are) ended

pero vistas: but (that are) viewed, seen as

en su desarrollo: in their development, unfolding.

It would be similar to estaba in that you want to emphasize that you were in the middle of something when the next event happened, but, unlike with estaba, also emphasize that that (original) activity ended (likely as a result of whatever is next in the sentence).

That at least is my understanding.

I have thought of a mini-conversation that might illustrate:

¿Por qué no lo hiciste? Estuve haciéndolo y luego los niños regresaron a casa.

Why didn't you do it. I was in the middle of doing it and then the kids returned home (and that was that).

Hi Bosque, sorry for the delay.I understand your example and the "it's used for finished actions" but still can't get the "view/ look" bit.Cheers,Mick. - omicko, Nov 9, 2015

It is being viewed/seen by the speaker as completed. We use the same idiom in English for considered. Shouldn't be that difficult, at least not as I "view" it. ;) - bosquederoble, Nov 9, 2015

Got it now.Very good explanation.Thanks again,Mick. - omicko, Nov 13, 2015

Answer 2

The translator says "It is used for shares finished but seen in their development" but this is a little incorrect. It really means: It is used for finished actions but with a view / look at its developement.

Yes, shares is quite another thing.. - annierats, Nov 7, 2015

Hi Julian, sorry for the delay.I understand the "it's used for finished actions" but still can't get the "view/ look" bit.Cheers,Mick. - omicko, Nov 9, 2015