48 Past simple or past continuous

Question 1

When do we use the past simple?

Answer 1

Past simple:

• to describe one or more finished actions in the past

Example: We arrived at the hotel at three o’clock and went to our room.

• when one action happened after another

Example: When Isabel came, we watched a DVD.

Question 2

When do we use the the past continuous?

Answer 2

Past continuous:

• to describe an unfinished action at and around a time in the past
• Example*: When we arrived at the hotel, the maid was cleaning our room( the cleaning was not finished when we arrived.)
• to describe something you were doing at the time when another thing happened
• Example*: When Isabel came, we were watching a DVD. (= We were watching a DVD at the time Isabel came.)

Question 3

Can we use when and while for the past continuous and the past simple?

Answer 3

• We can use when** or **while for the past continuous
• we don’t use** while before the **past simple but we can use when