Past Simple

and
Past Continuous
Past Simple and Past Continuous

• When we use these two tenses together, it shows us

that the past simple action happened in the middle of
the past continuous action, while it was in progress.

• We often use these tenses to show an action

interrupting another action.
Past Simple and Past Continuous

• While Bobby was taking a shower, the lights went out.

• Bobby’s mother was watching TV when the lights went out.
• Bobby went into the kitchen and ate instant noodles while
everyone was sleeping.
• While everyone was sleeping, Bobby finished the book.
• When Bobby prepared his breakfast for the next day,
everyone was sleeping.
Past Simple and Past Continuous

• While Bobby was taking a shower, the lights went out.

• The lights went out while Bobby was taking a shower.

Past Simple and Past Continuous

• While Bobby was taking a shower, the lights went out.

• Bobby’s mother was watching TV when the lights went out.
• Bobby went into the kitchen and ate instant noodles while
everyone was sleeping. Past Continuous

• While everyone was sleeping, Bobby finished the book.

• When Bobby prepared his breakfast for the next day,
everyone was sleeping.
Past Simple and Past Continuous

• While Bobby was taking a shower, the lights went out.

• Bobby’s mother was watching TV when the lights went out.
• Bobby went into the kitchen and ate instant noodles while
everyone was sleeping.
Past Simple
• While everyone was sleeping, Bobby finished the book.
• When Bobby prepared his breakfast for the next day,
everyone was sleeping.