Simple Past vs Past Continuous with WHEN

Simple Past vs Past Continuous with WHEN

ELLs 3

WHEN means AFTER

• if we use the simple past in both clauses

• EXAMPLES:

• When Einstein graduated from college, he tried to get a job as a teacher.

• Einstein came to the U.S. when he lost his German citizenship.

Multiple Choice

When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.

What does WHEN mean in this sentence?

• at the same time

• after

WHEN means AT THE SAME TIME

• If we use the simple past after the word when and the past continuous in the other clause

• EXAMPLES:

• When Einstein entered college, he was living in Switzerland.

• Einstein was living in the U.S. when he died.

Multiple Choice

When the bell rang, the students were finishing their tests.

What does WHEN mean in this sentence?

• at the same time

• after

Fill in the Blanks

Henri

(live) in a refugee camp when he got his visa.

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When he got to the U.S., he

(need) to find a job.

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He

(work) in a hospital when he heard the news about the president.

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When he

(get) permission, he came to the United States.

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When they arrived in the U.S., volunteers

(help) them.

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When they arrived in the U.S., a volunteer

(wait) for them at the airport.

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They

(live) in the United States when their fourth child was born.

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When their fourth child was born, they

(move) to a bigger apartment.

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When Henri learned enough English, he

(start) to work in a hotel.

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He

(work) in the hotel when his daughter was born.

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Henri

(take) morning English classes when he found a job.

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Henri

(change) to night classes when he found a job.

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When Einstein entered college, he

(study) to become a teacher.

Fill in the Blanks

When Einstein entered college, he

(live) in Switzerland.

Fill in the Blanks

Einstein

(become) a resident of the United States when he lost his German citizenship.

Fill in the Blanks

Einstein

(live) in the United States when he died.

Fill in the Blanks

When their fourth child was born, they

(move) to a bigger apartment.