USE
1. We use Past Simple
- to talk about finished actions in the past.
Susan went to the cinema last week.
He ate some sandwiches and then he drank the coffee.
2. We use Past Continuous
- to talk about an action that was in progress in the past.
Her tooth was hurting all day yesterday.
- to talk about an action that was in progress at a stated time in the past.
He was watching TV at 7 o'clock yesterday.
- to talk about two actions that were happening at the same time in the past.
I was doing my homework while my sister was chatting online.
3. We use Past Simple and Past Continuous in one sentence
- to talk about an action that was in progress when another action interrupted it. We use Past Continuous for an action that was in progress (longer action). We use Past Simple for an action that interrupted it (shorter action).
My parents were studying when they met.
4. We use Past Perfect
- to talk about an action that happened before a stated time in the past.
I had finished my homework by 6 o'clock yesterday.
5. We use Past Simple and Past Perfect in one sentence
- to talk about two actions that happened in the past and which are connected in some way. We use Past Perfect for an action that happened before. We use Past Simple for what happened after that.
When I had put my pyjamas on, I got into bed.
6. We use used to
- to talk about a habit or a state in the past that is different now.
I used to live in a small town. Now I live in London.
NOTE!
We use used to when the length of the period of time is not stated.
I used to live in a small town. Now I live in London.
We use Past Simple to say how long the period of time was.
I lived in a small town for ten years. Now I live in London.
