1. PAST TIME
Past Simple vs Past Continuous

2. Past Simple
• The past simple is used to describe finished
events in the past.
– Susan bought a ticket to London.
– Ali didn’t have time to do his homework.
– We finished work two hours ago.
– Did you see him yesterday?

3. Remember:
• Questions are formed with the auxiliary did
When did you last see him?
• The negative is formed with the auxiliary didn’t
I didn’t like it at all.

4. Past Continuous Tense
• was / were + -ing
• The past continuous is used to describe an
action in progress, at a specific time in the
past.
A: What were you doing at ten o’clock last
night?
B: I was watching TV. It was a cold night and it
was raining.

5. When telling a story
• Use the past continuous to describe the
background.
I was standing outside the bus station. It was
getting late and I was feeling tired. I was
waiting for a man called Johnny.
• And the past simple for the main events and
actions in the story.
Suddenly, a woman came round the corner
and walked right up to me. ’Are you Mr
Marlowe? She asked.

6. • We often contrast an action still in progress
with a sudden event which interrupts it.
While Susan was trying to get onto the train, a man
stole her handbag.
I was having a shower when I heard the telephone
ring.
What were you doing when I phoned you last night?

7. Exercises
1. While Diana watched / was watching her
favorite television programme, there was a
power-cut.
• Was watching
2. Who was driving / drove the car at the time of
the accident?
• Was driving
3. I did / was doing some shopping yesterday,
when I saw that English friend of yours.
• Was doing

8. 4. I opened / was opening the door and saw /
was seeing him .
• Opened / saw
5. What exactly were you doing / did you do
when I came / was coming into your office
yesterday?
• Were you doing / came

9. 11. Yesterday I studied / was studying a lot.
• studied
12. After phoning the airport, Anna packed / had
packed / was packing her suitcase.
• packed