How to decide between estuve, yo estaba, yo era or fui
OK I have great trouble choosing which 'I was' to use
when trying to make conversation. What general rules can I use to determine if I should use ... estuve or yo estaba or yo era or fui? Here are some typical phrases I should be able to say but can not 1 I was here 10 years ago 2 I was a painter 3 I was traveling 4 I was sick yesterday 5 I was buying bread 6 I was washing the dog 7 I was tired 8 I was a doctor for 30 years 9 I was at a party I could add more explanation but am really hoping for a set of 4 or 5 rules that will fit most situations. Thank you, artistnatural |
The conjugations of estar are used for a state (or location).
The conjugations of ser are used for a characteristic. The imperfect tense describes an action/state that started in the past, but was not finished. The preterit tense describes an action/state that had both a start and an end in the past. Apply these simple rules to your sentences and you shouldn't get any of them wrong. |
Quote:
OK thank you Rusty for the reply. This stuff is like trying to nail jelly to a wall -nothing sticks. 1 I was here 10 years ago Location for #1 so either estuve or estaba and no defined end so it's estaba? OK? 2 I was a painter Being a painter is a profession so use era OK 3 I was traveling No idea re this one -am I still traveling 4 I was sick yesterday -a state -so it's estar -But am I still sick ??? so can not chose between estuve or estaba 5 I was buying bread No defined start or stop -no idea otherwise 6 I was washing the dog Again no defined start or stop -no idea otherwise 7 I was tired A state of being-so estar but no idea if estuve or estaba is to be used. Am i still tired 8 I was a doctor for 30 years Here I believe the rule is professions call for 'era' Case closed. OK 9 I was at a party Location right -calls for estar -but no idea if I should use estuve or estaba 2 out of nine -not good :( artistnatural |
Quote:
If the event had a start and an end, the preterit is used to convey that. |
Thank you Rusty. I am going to have to read and reread this post of yours. It is a very different way of looking at an event that it does not set well with me. But you have answered my question.
Thank you for making an analysis of each sentence -it is what I needed. |
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:53 AM. |
Forum powered by
vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.