Preterite vs imperfect: completed event or background?
The preterite moves a story forward with completed events. The imperfect describes background, habits and actions already in progress.
Ayer compré un libro. · Yesterday I bought a book.
Cuando era niño, leía mucho. · When I was a child, I used to read a lot.
Cuando era niño, leía mucho. · When I was a child, I used to read a lot.
When both appear
Estudiaba cuando sonó el teléfono.
I was studying when the phone rang.
I was studying when the phone rang.
The studying was ongoing; the ringing was the completed interruption.
Ask whether you are describing the scene or marking a completed event.
Practise Spanish contrasts in complete sentences.
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Yo ___ cuando sonó el teléfono.