hace + tiempo + que + el presente o imperfecto

When the “hace + tiempo + que” structure is used, a verb in the present tense is used to indicate an action that started in the past and has lasted to the present, for example, “hace un mes que trabajo”(I have worked for a month). 

However, in lesson 15.1, when Alejandra wants to say she hasn't been back for three years, instead of using the present tense verb, she uses the imperfect tense: Hace tres años que no venía. Why is it  venía instead of vengo? 

Thank you.

¡Hola JinH!

Thanks for your question!

You're absolutely right to say that hace + [length of time] + que is used with the present tense to talk about actions that began in the past and that continue to the present! However, technically, this means that if Alejandra were to say Hace tres años que no vengo “I haven't come / I haven't been (home) for three years,” then the action of not coming home started in the past and is still ongoing now. In other words, in this sentence, Alejandra has still not come home.

If she uses the imperfect instead of the present, though, and says Hace tres años que no venía, then the action of not coming home is moved into the past tense: it was ongoing then, and there is no connection to the present now. In other words, this tense change indicates that Alejandra has come home now. 

I hope that this makes sense! Do let me know if you still have any questions. In the meantime, I'll ask the Spanish team if they can add some clarification into the lesson about this.

Saludos,

Liss

Thank you very much, Liss, your explanation makes perfect sense.