Preterite or Imperfect when both seem to apply

Question

I am wondering which tense (preterite or imperfect) should be used when there are conditions that would seem to indicate the use of the imperfect (mental or physical states, descriptions) and there are also trigger words for the preterite (i.e. yesterday). For example:

"Mary was nervous before the test yesterday." (Mental state + yesterday)

"I was sick last Monday." (Physical state + last Monday)

"It was raining while we were touring the city last night." (Description + last night)

To me it seems that both preterite and imperfect could be used in these examples. Is there a general rule that could help me decide which tense has priority?

Answer 1

Mary estaba nerviosa antes del examen de ayer (description of Mary within a context -the exam and "whenabouts"-)

Mary estuvo nerviosa antes del examen de ayer (informing that as a simple fact of the past, very unusual -antes del examen acts as a clock-)

El lunes pasado yo estaba enfermo (giving a context, for instance, as an excuse)

El lunes pasado estuve enfermo (informing what happened last Monday)

Both are equally probable, each one correct in its own contextual situation.

Estaba lloviendo anoche mientras recorríamos la ciudad (giving contextual information about the touring part)

Estuvo lloviendo anoche mientras recorríamos la ciudad (informing a fact; maybe complaining about that fact which spoiled the tour -this is possible also with imperfect, but this way is more assertive-)

Both are equally possible and depend on the approach of the speaker.

I am wondering which tense (preterite or imperfect) should be used when there are conditions that would seem to indicate the use of the imperfect (mental or physical states, descriptions) and there are also trigger words for the preterite (i.e. yesterday).

I'm sorry to say the bold parts make no sense to me AT ALL. Those are just probabilistic tricks to cheat during exams (75% of the time, enough for a pass, you'll be right by using those "triggers" and "hints"). Your question means you have found this fact about it, so, kudos.

I thought I was good at the differences, but this is very helpful - Mardle, Oct 2, 2017

'have found' not find. - Mardle, Oct 2, 2017

I've changed it. Thank you, Mardle. - aleCcowaN, Oct 2, 2017

de nada Alec - Mardle, Oct 2, 2017

Answer 2

In your third example the use of "while" is your indicator for the use of imperfect.

Spanish speakers choose mood (indicative, subjunctive) and aspect (perfect, imperfect, "ni-ni") BEFORE even wording the sentences. So, all those triggers are just pure imagination and practical only to circumvent the real understanding of our language and get passed in exams and quizzes.

Answer 3

Hi Mabe, are we talking about Spanish or English?

I am asking about how these sentences would be translated in Spanish - would the preterite or the imperfect be used? - mabenson, Oct 2, 2017

Answer 4

I would use preterit for your first two examples as they are specific times(if you structured the sentence differently, the imperfect could be used). In your third example the use of "while" is your indicator for the use of imperfect.

Answer 5

This information link will give you an idea how to translate it in Spanish. Preterite vs. Imperfect in Spanish

I've seen the link which is why I'm asking the question. According to the link, if there is a mental state (being nervous) you use the imperfect, but if there is a trigger word (like "yesterday") you use the preterite. So, what should I use? - mabenson, Oct 2, 2017

Answer 6

hi