When studying Spanish grammar, one of the common challenges for learners is choosing the correct past tense form of a verb. A good example is the phrase “ella y yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos.” Both choices are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences, usage contexts, and rules that help you decide which option to use.
1. The Core Difference Between Andábamos and Anduvimos
The phrase “ella y yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos” offers two possibilities based on tense:
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Andábamos: This is the imperfect tense of the verb andar (to walk/go). It suggests a continuous or ongoing action in the past, without focusing on whether the action ended.
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Anduvimos: This is the preterite tense of andar. It indicates a completed action that took place at a specific moment in the past.
In simple terms:
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Andábamos = “We were walking” (ongoing, descriptive)
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Anduvimos = “We walked” (finished, complete action)
2. When to Use “Andábamos” in the Phrase
If you say “ella y yo por dos horas andábamos”, you are emphasizing the continuity and duration of the action. It paints a picture of two people walking for a while without stressing a clear beginning or end.
Example in English:
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She and I were walking for two hours, just talking and enjoying the scenery.
This form is often used in storytelling, descriptions, or background information. For instance, if you are narrating a memory, “andábamos” works well to create atmosphere.
3. When to Use “Anduvimos” in the Phrase
If you say “ella y yo por dos horas anduvimos”, you are clearly stating that the walking lasted for exactly two hours and then ended. The preterite signals a finished action tied to a specific time frame.
Example in English:
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She and I walked for two hours, and then we stopped to have dinner.
“Anduvimos” is common in narratives of completed events, such as reports, diaries, or conversations where the focus is on what happened rather than how it felt.
4. Grammar Rules That Help You Decide
The choice in “ella y yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos” depends on whether you need the imperfect or preterite tense. Here’s a simple rule:
Use imperfect (andábamos) for actions that are ongoing, habitual, or descriptive.
Use preterite (anduvimos) for actions that are specific, completed, or time-bound.
Table for quick reference:
| Tense | Form | Meaning in English | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperfect | andábamos | We were walking | To describe background actions or continuous movement |
| Preterite | anduvimos | We walked | To state a completed action at a specific time |
5. Practical Examples in Sentences
To master “ella y yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos”, it helps to see both forms in action:
Imperfect (andábamos):
Ella y yo por dos horas andábamos por el parque mientras hablábamos de la vida.
(She and I were walking for two hours in the park while talking about life.)
Preterite (anduvimos):
Ella y yo por dos horas anduvimos explorando la ciudad antes de regresar al hotel.
(She and I walked for two hours exploring the city before going back to the hotel.)
Notice how andábamos sets the scene, while anduvimos closes the event.
6. Why This Phrase Matters for Spanish Learners
The phrase “ellay yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos” is more than a grammar drill—it teaches you how to distinguish between describing a moment and reporting a completed action.
For learners:
Choosing andábamos makes your Spanish sound more expressive and narrative.
Choosing anduvimos makes your Spanish more precise and factual.
Mastering this difference improves storytelling, conversations, and writing fluency. It also helps avoid misunderstandings, since the wrong tense could change the meaning of what you’re trying to say.
Conclusion
So, which is correct in the phrase “ella y yo por dos horas. a. andábamos b. anduvimos”? The answer depends on what you want to say:
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Use andábamos if you want to describe an action in progress.
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Use anduvimos if you want to emphasize that the action lasted two hours and then ended.
Both are correct—but they serve different purposes. By understanding this subtle distinction, you can use Spanish more naturally and effectively.
