Usage Examples Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

• Anna was sleeping when the burglars broke into her house. -
• Were they studying at this time yesterday? -
• Paula was running when the storm started. -
• Were they smiling when they saw you? -
• My granddad went to see a doctor on Friday. -
• When I woke up, it was snowing. -
• The children were playing in the park when it started to rain. -
• My mother bought a new bag yesterday. -
• Emma called me when I was sitting on the train. -
• You weren't dancing at noon yesterday. -
• I went to Tokyo last month. -
• Who was Alessia talking to when you saw her? -
• Who did you see at the train station? -
• Which song were you singing when I came in? -
• My mother was cooking for five hours on Sunday. -
• Where was Rob going when he lost his phone? -
• Susie was watching a film when she heard the noise. -
• Was Anna having a shower when an earthquake began? -
• We were playing tennis when Alex hurt his wrist. -
• I was reading when the doorbell rang. -