Imperfect subjunctive/ imperfect tense question

Question

In the following sentence which is the correct choice?

Le prometió a su abuela que cuando........ a Londres la llamaría, y así lo hizo Llegaría Llegara Llegaba

I understand in general terms when the imperfect subjunctive is to be used. But it's the end part of the sentence that has thrown me off here. There's no doubt etc involved as she has already had the phone call so they have indeed arrived....

Muchas gracias

Think, at the time of the promise, then there was a doubt, it is a doubt in the past.. Besides, as Dani says, cuando simply needs the subjunctive, when referring to the future, even if it is from the past.. - annierats, Apr 16, 2016

Many thanks! My only confusion was raised by the final part of the sentence where we know he did it. So I have now learnt that this part of the sentence cannot 'override' the doubt that did exist in the past, so it remains as imperfect subj. - Geebee15, Apr 16, 2016

Yes the key word is "cuando" followed by an event that is still future and, logically, doubtful. - Daniela2041, Apr 16, 2016

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Answer 1

Le prometió a su abuela que cuando llegara a Londres la llamaría, y así lo hizo.

He /she promised his grandmother that when he would arrive in London he would ring her, and so he did.

I think, anyway. - annierats, Apr 16, 2016

Annie, shhhhh! I'm trying to get her to give it a go. :) - Daniela2041, Apr 16, 2016

You're right! - annierats, Apr 16, 2016

Answer 2

Go ahead and give it a go and answer your own question. You may get it correct. If not, I or some other member will provide a correction. (Hint: in this case "cuando" is a subjunctive "trigger." because the event hasn't happened as yet.)

Buena suerte.

You're right! On the other hand Geebee is at least thinking about things and not just asking for hel at once. - annierats, Apr 16, 2016

Answer 3

Annie, ... when he would arrive or ...when he arrived?