Question on why the final bit "we were a little dizzy" should be conjugated in imperfect rather than simple past. I imagined that one moment in time when "we were dizzy" should be the opposite. I get that estar is often conjugated in imperfect, but this seems a lot like one moment that's no longer taking place, encapsulated in the past, not continuing and not one that lasted long (given that "we were *a little* dizzy.") Help please?
We were a little dizzy - tense?
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lala d.Kwiziq community member
We were a little dizzy - tense?
This question relates to:Spanish writing exercise "Travelling in a hot air balloon with dad"
Asked 3 years ago
Marsha C. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
There is no specific timeframe for how long they felt dizzy.
We are also describing what things were like and how they felt in the past.
So we use the imperfect.
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq
Hola Lala
In this instance, the speaker is simple describing a situation, without seeing this as a completed action in the past, but more as an ongoing action. (We were/were feeling a little dizzy)
These Kwiziq lessons will help you understand the uses of the Imperfect:
Using El Preterito Imperfecto to describe a situation in the past
Using El Imperfecto vs El indefinido (general use)
Using El Imperfecto vs El indefinido (time markers)
Saludos
Inma
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