Why is Imperfecto used here for a specific moment in time?

Melissa M.A2Kwiziq community member

Why is Imperfecto used here for a specific moment in time?

I got this correct in the quiz b/c I followed the hint but I don't understand the use of Imperfecto over Indefinido here if there is a specific time period in the past identified. Why trabajaba rather than trabajo? (I know the hint says "used to" but the question still stands.) Thank you!


En el año 2010, usted ________ para una escuela primaria.In 2010, you used to work for a primary school.HINT: Conjugate "trabajar" in El Pretérito Imperfecto.

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Melissa,

In this sentence, despite having a time phrase that usually triggers the past simple tense (trabajó) we are using the imperfect tense to express that he/she worked in the school without seeing that action as something that had an end, so we are saying here that that work happened "during that period". It is similar to when we say "you were working...". We see it as a continuous action during that time.

Here is a lesson that may help you understand this usage:

Imperfecto vs Indefinido

Saludos,

Inma

Why is Imperfecto used here for a specific moment in time?

I got this correct in the quiz b/c I followed the hint but I don't understand the use of Imperfecto over Indefinido here if there is a specific time period in the past identified. Why trabajaba rather than trabajo? (I know the hint says "used to" but the question still stands.) Thank you!


En el año 2010, usted ________ para una escuela primaria.In 2010, you used to work for a primary school.HINT: Conjugate "trabajar" in El Pretérito Imperfecto.

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