PS vs. PC

Past simple vs. past continuous

Past simple we use past simple to talk about completed actions in the past

#2

#3

#1

Did Lisa visit New York last weekend?

I watched an exciting movie yesterday

He didn't call me yesterday.

Past continuous 1). we use past continuous to talk about actions in progress in the past

- What were you doing at 9:30 last night? *I was watching TV

At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, I was downloading music

Past continuous and past simple used together we often use past simple and past continuous together to describe two actions that happened at the same time. We use when + a shorter action (past simple) or while/as + a longer action (past continuous)

#1

#2

We were watching TV when our friends arrived.

#1

#2

I made a phone call while I was waiting for the bus.

#1

#2

I was taking a shower when my phone rang.