Past Simple and Past Continuous (1)

I _____ work at 9 a.m. this morning.

• started

• was starting

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'was starting' because it indicates an ongoing action at a specific time in the past (this morning). 'Started' suggests a completed action, which does not fit the context.

This time last year I _____ at university.

• studied

• was studying

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'was studying' because it indicates an ongoing action in the past, which fits the context of 'this time last year'. 'Studied' suggests a completed action, which does not align with the timeframe.

Sarah hurt her ankle while she _____.

• ran

• was running

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'was running' because it indicates an ongoing action at the time Sarah hurt her ankle, while 'ran' suggests a completed action, which does not fit the context.

I _____ your call because I was working.

• missed

• was missing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'missed' because it indicates a completed action in the past. 'Was missing' suggests an ongoing action, which doesn't fit the context of having already missed the call.

While I was walking home, I _____ a new shop in the high street.

• noticed

• was noticing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'noticed' because it indicates a completed action in the past. 'Was noticing' suggests an ongoing action, which doesn't fit the context of a single event while walking home.

At 6 p.m. yesterday it _____ dark.

• already got

• was already getting

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'was already getting' because it indicates an ongoing action in the past, suitable for describing the gradual onset of darkness at that specific time.

I saw you driving down Green Street yesterday! Where _____?

• did you go

• were you going

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'were you going' because it asks about the direction or purpose of the driving, which is a continuous action in the past. 'Did you go' implies a completed action, making it less suitable here.

When we saw the crime, we _____ the police.

• called

• were calling

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'called' because it indicates a completed action in the past. 'Were calling' suggests an ongoing action, which doesn't fit the context of witnessing a crime and then notifying the police.

Last week, I _____ a great movie at the cinema.

• watched

• was watching

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'watched' because it indicates a completed action in the past. 'Was watching' suggests an ongoing action, which doesn't fit with 'last week' indicating a specific time.

While she _____ dinner, the phone rang.

• cooked

• was cooking

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'was cooking' because it indicates an ongoing action when the phone rang. 'Cooked' suggests a completed action, which does not fit the context of the sentence.