Hace+ time+ que

[Oldman]

thanks. I think I concluded hace+ que+ no+ preterite makes no sense and I don't need to worry about it, not only because of what you and Rusty are saying, but in my example below, there is no meaningful answer to the question even though the data points are all seemingly supplied to answer the question.

" ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que no estudiaste medicina?

Let's assume that you began not studying at time M (M could be the day you were born). Let's assume that you stopped not studying at time N (meaning that you began to study) and let's assume that today is time. P

Are you thinking the question is asking what N -M is, or what P-N is?"

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

The only case when "cuánto tiempo hace que no estudiaste medicina" makes sense to me is what I said before: For some reason Oldman wanted to study medicine ten years ago, but he decided against it and changed his career. Since that decision shows effects still today, Oldman's good friend Angélica is in the mood of reminding him of his life choices and is asking him how long ago he made such decision.

It's alright that you don't pay much attention to using this combination, but just keep in mind how it is constructed, for future reference.

[Oldman]

Yes, it was a difficult decision to switch from studying to be a surgeon to going to work in a circus, but your words of encouragement gave me the strength to follow my dream. Thanks for being a friend and supporting me through all my highs and lows these past ten years.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Glad to have been of help. I'm proud of you.