Usage examples Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

• I was reading when the doorbell rang.

• I went to Tokyo last month.

• I was studying at the library all day yesterday.

• Why was Lucy smoking at the party?

• What were they doing when you arrived at the party?

• Were they smiling when they saw you?

• Was Anna having a shower when an earthquake began?

• Were you sleeping when everything happened?

• Someone took a picture of Tom while he was sitting on a bench.

• Maddie came back at midnight.

• My mother was cooking for five hours on Sunday.

• We were playing tennis when Alex hurt his wrist.

• While I was walking to the university, I witnessed an accident.

• Who was Alessia talking to when you saw her?

• When I woke up, it was snowing.

• When I walked into the room, they were dancing.

• Lisa was studying when Joe called her.

• Anna was sleeping when the burglars broke into her house.

• I wanted to call my mum but I called you instead.

• Where was your cousin born?

• Bob was waiting for me for two hours yesterday.

• I broke my leg when I was skiing.

• My mother bought a new bag yesterday.

• Anna did not mean to hurt you.

• Were they studying at this time yesterday?

• I was standing in the line when I saw Mary.

• Where was Rob going when he lost his phone?

• The children were playing in the park when it started to rain.

• My wife arrived when I was having a bath.

• Just as Ted was finishing his homework, he remembered another exercise he had to do.

• Susie was watching a film when she heard the noise.

• What were you doing at eight o'clock last night?

• We found the keys we were looking for yesterday.

• The bird was singing in the garden when the cat attacked it.

• I was watching television when my mother came home.

• Emma called me when I was sitting on the train.

• What was Jane wearing when you saw her at the theatre?

• My best friend graduated from the university in June.

• Which shop did Tom go yesterday?

• The town was changing quickly.

• Was your grandmother working when she met your grandfather?

• My granddad went to see a doctor on Friday.

• You weren't dancing at noon yesterday.

• I met Elisa when I was going to work.

• Who did you see at the train station?

• Paula was running when the storm started.

• Why were you crying when I met you?

• Which song were you singing when I came in?