In this paper we examine second language copula use in L2 Spanish by learners with varying individual characteristics. Specifically, these learners have different first languages (British English, French and German), have varying degrees of knowledge of additional languages, and diverge in the number of years and contexts of learning in which they have studied Spanish. An analysis of data elicited using a contextualized preference task shows that these individual characteristics do not influence the frequency with which the two copular verbs in Spanish are used. Results are compared to native-speaker use on the same elicitation instrument.