Grammar unit5

Past simple-Past continuous
We use Past Simple (verb + ed or irregular past form) for
· An action which started and finished in the past at a stated time. For example: I watched a science fiction film on TV last night.
· Past action which happened one immediately after he other.
For example: He got up, had breakfast and then left for his office.
· Time expressions used with past simple: yesterday, last week/month, how long ago, then, just/when, in 1991
We use Past Continuous (was/were+ verb-ing) for
· A past action in progress interrupted by another past action. The longer action is in the past continuous, the shorter action is in the past simple. For example: I was cooking dinner when the phone rang
· Two or more simultaneous past actions of certain duration. For example: I was riding my bicycle while my sister was playing in the sandbox.
· Background description to events in story. For example:
As she was running in the marathon, the crowds were cheering enthusiastically.
· Time expressions used with past continuous: While, when, as, at the moment that
We use Present Perfect (have+ past participle) for
· Recent action when the time is not mentioned or is not definite. For example: I have washed the clothes. We have redecorated the sitting room.
· Time expressions used with Present perfect: just, ever, never, already, yet, always, so far, recently, since, today
Direct and Reported speech
· We use direct speech to give the exact words someone said, and we use question marks ” “ at the beginning and end of the actual words. For example:” I am tired”, he said.
· We use reported speech to give the exact meaning of that someone said, but not exact words. We do not use question marks in reported speech. For example: He said that he was tired.