Why is this in imperfect tense? Seems like completed action in the past

John V.B1Kwiziq community member

Why is this in imperfect tense? Seems like completed action in the past

Yo no iba en tren sino en coche.

I didn't go by train but by car.

Asked 18 hours ago
SilviaKwiziq Native Spanish TeacherCorrect answer

Hola John V.

In this sentence there is no time marker (we don’t know when it started or ended), and the hint itself says “there is no specific beginning or end”.

Both of these are exactly the triggers for using the imperfect tense, it’s used for ongoing situations in the past with no clear limits. That’s why tenía is the natural choice here instead of tuvo.

Saludos

Silvia

John V. asked:

Why is this in imperfect tense? Seems like completed action in the past

Yo no iba en tren sino en coche.

I didn't go by train but by car.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Let me take a look at that...