Past Simple - Past Continuos

Past Simple


The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the middle of another action.


Use of Past Simple

• Action in the past taking place once, never or several times.
• Actions in the past taking place one after the other
• action in the past taking place in the middle of another action
• if sentences type.

s    Examples

•  I saw a movie yesterday.
•  I didn't see a play yesterday.
•  Last year, I traveled to Japan.
•  Last year, I didn't travel to Korea.
• Did you have dinner last night?
• If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you.
• She washed her car.
• He didn't wash his car.

Past Continuos

Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.

Use of Past Continuos

• Action taking place before a certain time in the past.
• Sometimes interchangeable with past perfect simple.
• Puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action.

a

Examples

• I was watching TV when she called.
• When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
• While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
• What were you doing when the earthquake started?
• I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
• While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
• Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.