Past simple vs Past Continous

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Past simple- past continuous

When do you use Past Simple?

When an action started and ended in the past.

Example:  Yesterday, I cleaned my bike.

How do you form Past Simple?

infinitive + -ed / second row irr. verbs.

Last night, I called my mother.

Last night, I spoke to my mother.

Signal words Past Simple?

LAWDY:

Last night, I felt really sick.

Two years ago, she broke her leg.

When I was twelve, we went to Italy.

(Date) In 1945, WWII ended.

Yesterday, we played tennis with John and Jack.

Yesterday, I __________ (play) basketball.

When he was eight, he __________(look) like his mom.

Two years ago, we _________ (go) to Spain.

How do you form Past Continuous?

past of to be (was/were) + infinitive + -ing 

I was having lunch.

We were playing games.

When do you use Past Continuous?

For an action that started in the past and which lasted for a while (sometimes even till very recently). 

Example:  I was reading a book. 

When do you use Past Continuous?

For two things happening in the past at the same time.

Example:  I was reading a book, while John was playing the guitar.

When do you use Past Continuous?

Or when something happened over and over again in the past (and you were really annoyed about that)

Example:  He was always playing the guitar, while I had to study.

When do you use Past Continuous?

Most often this lasting action is interrupted by something else that happened.

Example:  I was reading a book, when John called.

When do you use Past Continuous?

The interruption is always in Past Simple

Example:  I was reading a book, when John called.

Sue _________ (have) a drink with friends.

Bob and Jack ____________ (do) their homework.

I _________ (walk) to school, when a car _________ (crash) in front of me.

Questions