Past and Present Continuous

What are we learning today?

You will tell what was happening in the past and what interrupted it.

Explanation

• Past continuous is was/were + -ing. It gives the long background action.
• Past simple gives the short action that interrupted it.
• Use when before the short action.
• Use while before the long action.
• Present continuous is for now: I'm writing an email.

Examples

1. She was cooking when she touched something hot.
2. While Dad was moving the wardrobe, he hurt his back.
3. I'm sitting in class now, and it's raining.

Remember!

• Long action: was or were + -ing.
• Short action: past simple.

Check yourself

1. Complete: I ___ (walk) home when I tripped.
2. Choose: She fell while she (ran / was running).