When you tell a story about the past, you need two tools. The past continuous sets the scene: what was in progress at a certain moment. The past simple gives the events: what happened, one thing after another.
The pattern
I was driving to work when my phone rang.
While we were eating, the lights went out.
01In progress or finished?
Form the past continuous with was/were + verb-ing. Use it for an action that was in the middle of happening at a past moment. We don't know or care when it started or ended.
Use the past simple for complete events. In a story, past simple verbs move the plot forward.
- At 8:00 p.m. last night, I was studying for my exam.
- It was snowing, and everyone was trying to get home.
- I opened the door, saw the mess and called my landlord.
02When and while
A very common pattern puts a long action (past continuous) next to a short one that interrupts it (past simple). While usually goes with the long action. When usually goes with the short one.
If the time clause comes first, add a comma. If it comes second, you don't need one.
- While I was waiting in line, I got a text from my boss.
- I was waiting in line when I got a text from my boss.
- When the fire alarm went off, we were having a meeting.
03One tense or two? It changes the story
Two past continuous verbs describe actions that were happening at the same time. Two past simple verbs usually show a sequence: one thing, then the next.
Compare: "When I got home, my roommate was cooking" (she started before I arrived) and "When I got home, my roommate cooked" (she started after I arrived).
- While I was cooking, my husband was setting the table.
- When the movie ended, we went home.
04Verbs that don't use -ing
Some verbs describe states, not actions: thoughts, feelings and possession. They normally stay in the past simple even when the meaning is "in progress."
| Say this | Not this |
|---|---|
| I didn't know the answer. | I wasn't knowing the answer. |
| She wanted a new car. | She was wanting a new car. |
| The bike belonged to my brother. | The bike was belonging to my brother. |
05Common mistakes
I was walk to class when it started to rain.
I was walking to class when it started to rain.
The past continuous needs was/were + the -ing form.
We was waiting for the bus.
We were waiting for the bus.
Use were with we, you and they.
When the phone was ringing, I answered it.
When the phone rang, I answered it.
A short, complete event takes the past simple.
I was needing help with my taxes.
I needed help with my taxes.
Need is a state verb, so it doesn't normally take -ing.