Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

Lesson 2: Past Simple vs. Past Continuous.

1. Overview
Learn how to combine the Past Simple and Past Continuous tenses to talk about an ongoing past action interrupted by a shorter action.

2. The Core Concept
- Past Continuous: Used for the longer, background action (e.g., I was sleeping).
- Past Simple: Used for the shorter, interrupting action (e.g., The phone rang).

3. Using "When" and "While"
- Use "when" usually before the Past Simple (e.g., I was coding **when** the power went out).
- Use "while" usually before the Past Continuous (e.g., **While** I was working, he called me).

4. Examples & Sentences
- She was walking home when it started to rain.
- What were you doing while I was away?

5. Practice Exercise
Choose the correct tense for each verb in parentheses:
1. While I _____ (study), my friend _____ (arrive).
2. They _____ (play) football when the ball _____ (break).