What is the difference?
1a - I usually take a bus to school.
1b - I'm not taking a bus these days though, with this COVID-19 business.
1c - You're always complaining! Just shut up!
2a - I went to school yesterday.
2b - I've gone to school since I turned four years old.
3a - I was watching the news yesterday when the doorbell rang
3b - He was doing the dishes while she was watching TV.
4a - I took my bike, picked up my friend and then went to school.
4b - Before I went to school, I had already gone to the gym.