eWriting Logo
 


Now let's continue with the next part of our lesson.

Using the Simple Past and Past Progressive (continued)

Lesson  

Differentiating between the SIMPLE PAST and PAST PROGRESSIVE:
You can use the SIMPLE PAST and the PAST PROGRESSIVE with connectors like AFTER, BEFORE, WHEN, AS SOON AS, and WHILE.

Here are some examples:

We ate lunch

when we arrived.
SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE PAST
Second action. First action.

We ate lunch

before we arrived. 

SIMPLE PAST

SIMPLE PAST
first action. second action

We ate lunch

after we arrived.

 SIMPLE PAST

SIMPLE PAST
Second action First action

 

Charlie prepared breakfast

 while Diana swept the floor.
SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE PAST
Both actions occurred at the same time.

 

I spilled my tea

while I  was doing my homework.

SIMPLE PAST

PAST PROGRESSIVE

This is the action that interrupted
the first action.

This action began first, but was interrupted.  That's why it's in the PAST PROGRESSIVE.

 

I was doing my homework

when I spilled my tea.

PAST PROGRESSIVE

SIMPLE PAST

This action began first, but was
interrupted.  That's why it's in the
past progressive.

This is the second action. This action interrupted the first action.

Andres was watching TV

while his father was cleaning the pool.

PAST PROGRESSIVE

PAST PROGRESSIVE
BOTH actions occurred at the same time..

                                    

Now it is time for some practice.  Good luck.
 

On the next screen, you will Identify correctly and incorrectly written sentences.

L340Activity1Part3V6.htm

On the next screen, you will combine sentences using after, when, before, while.

L340Activity2V6.htm

On the next screen, you will use the simple past and past progressive. 

L340Activity2Part2V6.htm

Go to the next screen to begin.