Can we use past continuous with when?

Some clauses begin with the word “when” such as “when she called” or “when it bit me.” Other clauses begin with “while” such as “while she was sleeping” and “while he was surfing.” When you talk about things in the past, “when” is most often followed by the verb tense simple past, whereas “while” is usually followed by …

What is past continuous tense with examples?

For example, it is often used to describe conditions that existed in the past. The sun was shining every day that summer. As I spoke, the children were laughing at my cleverness. It can also be used to describe something that was happening continuously in the past when another action interrupted it.

What is the difference between when And while in past continuous tense?

Generally, both “when” and “while” conjunctions are related to past tense. Whereas “while” emphasizes an act in certain times or continues in a determined time frame, “when” is used for actions in the past that do not last or instant actions.

What are the rules of past continuous tense?

The past continuous of any verb is composed of two parts : the past tense of the verb “to be” (was/were), and the base of the main verb +ing….Forming the past continuous.

What is the difference between past tense and past continuous?

The past simple describes actions that happened in a specific moment in the past. On the other hand, the past continuous describes actions that were in progress in the past.

What is the formula of past perfect continuous tense?

The formula for writing the past perfect continuous tense is: had + been + present participle. Examples: We had been walking on the path when a deer crossed in front of us.

What is the formula of past continuous?

Forming the past continuous The past continuous of any verb is composed of two parts : the past tense of the verb “to be” (was/were), and the base of the main verb +ing.

How do you use past simple and past continuous?

We use the past continuous to talk about events and temporary states that were in progress around a certain time in the past. We use the past simple to talk about events, states or habits at definite times in the past. At 4 pm last Tuesday, I was working in the office.

What is a past perfect sentence?

The past perfect simple is used to describe one action that happened before another action in the past. In many cases a complete sentence is written in two parts with two different tenses: The past perfect simple, to refer to the action that happened first or earlier.

What is the time expression of past continuous?

We use the past continuous tense in these ways: with a time expression, such as at 6p. m. yesterday, to talk about an action that began before that time and finished after it.

When to use past tense simple and past continuous?

Past Tense Simple is used to describe actions that happened in the Past. Past Continuous is used to describe action that were in progress (still happening – not finished) at a certain time in the past.

When to use ” while ” and ” when ” in past tense?

When talking about TWO actions in the past; one continues for a period, and the other starts and ends (past simple). It is important to learn when to use the Past Simple and when to use the Past Continuous. ‘While’ is used to express two continuous actions happening at the same time. Example: While you were sleeping.

Where can I take the past continuous quiz?

You can do this grammar quiz online or print it on paper. It tests what you learned on the Past Continuous page. 1. My brother and sister _____ playing tennis at 11am yesterday.

What is the past tense of the word Yesterday?

Joe and Sam [Blank] (use) the wrong program in IT yesterday. 17. Paula [Blank] (come) home from school when she saw an accident. 18. In 1999 most people [Blank] (not live) in Dublin. 19. Andrew [Blank] (insert) a photo into his document when the teacher stopped the class. 20. He [Blank] (open) the box when he cut his finger.