The Past Simple Form & Function

Completed & finished events

Irregular Verbs

Further functions of the Past Simple

Talking about:

a definite time in the past

the past without reference to time

states in the past

habitual events in the past

the order of events in a narrative

Form and functions of the Past Continuous

• Events happening at a particular time in the past

• Incomplete/interrupted actions in the past

• Narrative tenses

Ongoing or repeated events in the past

Temporary activities in the past

Activities subject to change

Repeated, unplanned or unwanted events in the past

Context of a past event

When to use the Past Simple or Past Continuous?

Emphasis

Completed/Incomplete events or actions

To refer to things that are no longer true

Used to or Would

Used to or be used to

Form and function for Present Perfect

• experiences in the past without specific reference to time

• experiences in the past with an effect