Usage Examples Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

• I was reading when the doorbell rang. -
• My mother was cooking for five hours on Sunday. -
• Were you sleeping when everything happened? -
• The bird was singing in the garden when the cat attacked it. -
• Where was Rob going when he lost his phone? -
• Who was Alessia talking to when you saw her? -
• What was Jane wearing when you saw her at the theatre? -
• I was watching television when my mother came home. -
• My best friend graduated from the university in June. -
• I wanted to call my mum but I called you instead. -
• Someone took a picture of Tom while he was sitting on a bench. -
• Anna did not mean to hurt you. -
• Why were you crying when I met you? -
• My mother bought a new bag yesterday. -
• We were playing tennis when Alex hurt his wrist. -
• Why was Lucy smoking at the party? -
• I went to Tokyo last month. -
• Were they studying at this time yesterday? -
• What were they doing when you arrived at the party? -
• Were they smiling when they saw you? -