Usage Examples Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

• I was standing in the line when I saw Mary. -
• Why was Lucy smoking at the party? -
• While I was walking to the university, I witnessed an accident. -
• My mother bought a new bag yesterday. -
• Was your grandmother working when she met your grandfather? -
• What was Jane wearing when you saw her at the theatre? -
• Were they studying at this time yesterday? -
• Lisa was studying when Joe called her. -
• Were they smiling when they saw you? -
• The children were playing in the park when it started to rain. -
• I went to Tokyo last month. -
• I was reading when the doorbell rang. -
• What were you doing at eight o'clock last night? -
• Was Anna having a shower when an earthquake began? -
• We were playing tennis when Alex hurt his wrist. -
• I was watching television when my mother came home. -
• I met Elisa when I was going to work. -
• Bob was waiting for me for two hours yesterday. -
• Just as Ted was finishing his homework, he remembered another exercise he had to do. -
• Which shop did Tom go yesterday? -