Page 55 - Grasp English B1 (Grammar Book)

Fun and Games 9

Past simple and past continuous

We use the past simple:

• for completed actions in the past when time is
important.
My father retired two years ago.
• to talk about people who are dead.
Graham Bell invented the telephone.

We use the past continuous:
• for actions which were in progress at a certain time in the past.
They were having a picnic at 4 o’clock yesterday.

• for two or more actions which were happening at the same time in the past.
She was cooking dinner while her brother was mopping the floor.
• for an action which was in progress in the past when another action interrupted it.
I was watching TV when you called me last night.

A. Complete the text with the past simple or past continuous.

One day, I alone in a cafe by the sea and for my friend. (sit/
wait) While I an exciting article, a well-dressed boy to my table
and me some chocolate cookies. (read/come/offer) I to talk to
him because I too busy to say anything. (not – want/be) He and
the cookies on my table. (smile/leave) He very cheerful and friendly.
(look) I he one of the boys who got money from people. (think/

be) Without hesitating, I him some money. (give) As soon as he the
money, he to shout at me. (see/begin) “ you
me?” he angrily. (not – recognise/say) When I at him carefully,
I immediately him. (look/know) He my old neighbour’s son whom
I last a year ago. (be/see) He that I chocolate
cookies. (know/like) His parents on the other side of the cafe. (sit) I
very ashamed of myself. (be) It really an unpleasant moment in my life. (be)

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