Rule: Past Continuous and Past Simple ShowHide

Past Continuous

was / were + -ing – an action in progress at a moment in the past.

At eight o'clock we were watching a film.
It wasn't raining.
Were your parents watching TV?

Past Simple

A short, finished action, or one action after another.

The doorbell rang.
Jill got up and had breakfast.

Together

A longer action (Past Continuous) is interrupted by a short one (Past Simple).

• when + Past Simple: I was doing my homework when the doorbell rang.
• while + Past Continuous: While Steve was driving, his phone rang.
• Two long actions at the same time: While Mum was cooking, Dad was reading.

was with I / he / she / it, were with you / we / they: The dog was chasing the cat. Kate and John were eating dinner.

Games on Past Continuous and Past Simple

Ready-made games on this topic. Open one on the board and play in teams.

Open the Box · 15 boxesPast Continuous and Past Simple team game (A2)A team game for A2: open a box and answer – Past Continuous and Past Simple.Play

Flashcards · 24 cardsPast Continuous and Past Simple practice (A2)Cards for A2: answer, then flip the card to check – Past Continuous and Past Simple.Play

Play this exercise

The sentences of this exercise as a game – nothing to set up.

Open the BoxTeam gameOpen a box, answer, win points.Play

FlashcardsFlip and checkSay the answer, then flip the card.Play