Past continuous vs past simple

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Past continuous

How?

was/were + verb + ing

I was walking home.

They were listening to me

My neighbours were walking their dog.

Was

Were

He

I

You

You

It

They

We

She

When?

When things are in progress at the same time

While Ann was doing some experiments, Terry was taking some measurements.

When?

When a longer action is interrupted by a shorter action.

She was texting her friend when she dropped her phone.

I was doing the dishes when mum came home.

Mind you:

The shorter action we use the past simple!

Use the past continuous

I ..... (to watch) a good film.

1. Am watching
2. Watching
3. Was watching
4. Have watched

Use the past continuous

We ..... (to show) our parents the house.

1. Were showing
2. Have showed
3. Are showing
4. Showed

Use the past continuous

He ... (to do dishes) when she .... (to come) home

1. Did the dishes/come
2. Was doing the dishes/came
3. Is doing the dishes/came
4. Was doing the dishes/come

Use the past continuous

They .... (to work) on their homework when I .... (to call).

1. Were working/called
2. Were working/calling
3. Are working/called
4. Are working/call

Use the past continuous

I .... (to leave) home. Suddenly, the postman .... (to knock) on the door.

1. Left/Knocked
2. Am leaving/was knocking
3. Leaved/knocked
4. Was leaving/knocked

Any questions?