Question 1

Why do we use habíamos perdido instead of just another simple past tense verb?

Accepted Answer

We use the past perfect (habíamos perdido) to show that one past action was completed before another past action. In this sentence, the missing of the connection was already a done deal by the time the plane landed (aterrizó). It works exactly like "had missed" in English.

Question 2

In English we say "had already missed", splitting the verb. Why is ya placed before both verbs in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, compound verbs formed with haber are practically inseparable. You cannot put a word between the helper verb (habíamos) and the past participle (perdido). Because of this strict rule, adverbs like ya (already) must go before the entire verb phrase.

Question 3

Doesn't perder usually mean "to lose"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, perder means "to lose" (like losing your keys or a game), but it is also the standard verb for "missing" a form of transportation, such as a flight, a bus, or la conexión (the connection).

Question 4

Is aterrizó irregular in the past tense?

Accepted Answer

No, it is completely regular here. Aterrizó is the third-person singular preterite form of aterrizar (to land). Like all regular -ar verbs in this tense, it requires an accented -ó at the end so you know to put the spoken stress on that final syllable.

Cuando el avión aterrizó, ya habíamos perdido la conexión.

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