all about past tenses i
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PAST TENSES:
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Past TensesThere are four past tenses in English:Past simplePast continuousPast perfect Past perfect continuous (progressive)
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Past simple: uses
I got up, switched off the TV, and sat down again.
Why are we using the past simple here?
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Past simple: uses
(CONSECUTIVE) FINISHED ACTIONS IN THE PAST
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Past simple: uses
When I was younger, I went to the park every day.
Why are we using the past simple here?
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Past simple: uses
PAST HABITS
Used to (actions and states) and would (actions) are also possible:I used to be addicted to chocolate.When I was younger, I would get up at 6.
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Past simple: uses
I wish I knew where your father was.Its time you got your own car.
Why are we using the past simple here?
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Past simple: uses
TO EXPRESS WISHES ABOUT THE PRESENT
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Past continuous: uses
John: I rang you at one but you werent in.Mary: I was. I was having lunch at one.
Why are we using the past continuous here?
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Past continuous: uses
ACTIONS IN PROGRESS IN THE PAST
Sometimes theres an idea of interruption:I was working at my office when I got a phone call.
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Past continuous: uses
On the dance floor half a dozen couples were throwing themselves around. Most of them were dancing cheek to cheek.
Why are we using the past continuous here?
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Past continuous: uses
BACKGROUND DESCRIPTIONS IN STORIES
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Past continuous: uses
I wish you werent chasing these impossible dreams.
Its about time we were leaving.
Why are we using the past continuous here?
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Past continuous: uses
TO EXPRESS WISHES ABOUT ACTIONS IN PROGRESS
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Past perfect: uses
The pilot told the police what had happened.
Why are we using the past perfect simple here?
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Past perfect: uses
ACTIONS IN THE PAST THAT OCCURRED BEFORE ANOTHER PAST ACTION
If the order of events is clear, we can use the Past simple:I waited until everybody (had) arrived.
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Past perfect: uses
If only I had known you were coming.
Why are we using the past perfect simple here?
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Past perfect: uses
TO EXPRESS WISHES ABOUT THE PAST, USUALLY TO EXPRESS REGRET
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Past perfect continuous: uses
The boat had been sailing in calm when a cow fell from the sky.
Why are we using the past perfect continuous here?
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Past perfect continuous: uses
A LONGER ACTION IN THE PAST THAT OCCURRED BEFORE ANOTHER PAST ACTION
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