Past simple vs. Past continuous

Past simple vs.

Past continuous

Calm down, relax, and take it easy ;)

Past simple

Structure:

(+) -ed / 2^nd column

(-) didn't + v. infinitive

(?) did + S + v. infinitive

Use:

- To express or describe FINISHED actions in the PAST.

Past continuous

Structure:

(+) was / were + v. -ing

(-) wasn't / weren't + v. -ing

(?) was / were + S + v. -ing

Use:

- To describe an action in the PAST which was HAPPENING at a particular moment.

Past simple vs.

Past continuous

Use:

- To describe / express PARALLEL actions or INTERRUPTED actions in the past.

How to do it:

- 1^st action / Long action = PAST CONTINUOUS

- 2^nd action / Short action (interrupting) = PAST SIMPLE