| The Past |
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Past
Simple FORM |
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|---|---|---|
| Past events | Past states | |
The past simple describes an event or
a chain of events at a definite time in the past. It can be recent or
a long time ago. |
The past simple describes states extending
over a period in the past |
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Past
Progressive FORM
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|---|---|---|
| 1. Actions in progress at a specific time | 2. Circumstances | |
| The present progressive expresses an
action in progress at a specific time in the past.
The action began before the specific point in time and might also continue
after that time. Further uses of the past progressive in this context! |
Due to
the fact that the past progressive expresses actions in progress at a
specific time in the past, it is used in narrative to describe the circumstances
of events - what was going on when something happened. It
describes background information in stories and "sets the scene" for events which
took place. |
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|
Paul: |
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Poor
Don. He was walking down the High Street when he saw that beautiful girl who was
crossing the street. He bumped into a lamp post because he wasn't
looking ahead but at her. He fell on the pavement, but she didn't even turn her
head. |
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|
| John: I was taking my dog for a walk. |
EVENTS Past Simple |
CIRCUMSTANCES Past Progressive |
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|---|---|---|
What happened. |
What was going
on when it happened. |
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| I found my passport when | I was tidying up my room. | |
| The tyre burst while | I was driving on the motorway. | |
| I didn't hear the phone because | I was listening to music. | |
| I took out my dog. | He was barking. | |
| I saw Stephen as | I was walking down the road. |
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