Mientras with past tenses in the indicative and subjunctive (subordinate time/conditional clauses)

Question 1

uses of the word “mientras”

Answer 1

introduces a subordinate clause that expresses an action that is taking place at the same time as another (while) or a condition that is needed to fulfil the action in the main clause (as long as).

Question 2

While you watch television I do the dishes.

Answer 2

Mientras tú ves la televisión yo friego los platos.

Question 3

Carla puts on her make up while she is driving.

Answer 3

Carla se maquilla mientras conduce.

Question 4

I’ll accept your offer as long as you pay what you are promising.

Answer 4

Acepto tu oferta mientras me pagues lo que prometes.

Question 5

You can go out with your friends as long as I can go out with my friends.

Answer 5

Puedes salir con tus amigos mientras yo pueda salir con mis amigas.

Question 6

We watch your favourite program while you make dinner.

Answer 6

Vemos tu programa favorito, mientras tú preparas la cena.

Question 7

We’ll watch your favourite program as long as you make dinner.

Answer 7

Vemos tu programa favorito, mientras tú prepares la cena.

Question 8

I don’t mind sleeping on the floor while you sleep on the bed.

Answer 8

No me importa dormir en el suelo mientras tú duermes en la cama.

In the sentence above two actions happen at the same time (El Presente)

Question 9

I don’t mind sleeping on the floor as long as you sleep on the bed.

Answer 9

No me importa dormir en el suelo mientras tú duermas en la cama.

Question 10

we can also use “siempre que…” or “mientras que…”

Answer 10

with the same meaning as “mientras” (as long as).

Te invito a un café mientras me ayudes a estudiar después.
Te invito a un café mientras que me ayudes a estudiar después.
Te invito a un café siempre que me ayudes a estudiar después.
I’ll buy you a coffee as long as you help me study later.