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Which one of the following sentences sounds right?:1. I played tennis all day2. I was playing tennis all day          Thanks a lot,Roman

Clive · Accepted Answer

Without any context, #1 probably.

Ashleylm · Answer

You'd answer "I played tennis all day" if asked "What did you do yesterday?", or if you were explaining "I played tennis all day, and now I'm sore and tired."

You'd use "I was playing tennis all day" if something interesting was happening at the same time, as in "I was playing tennis all day, so I couldn't have dashed to Chicago to murder my husband," or "I was playing tennis all day even though it was raining."

The differences are more obvious if "all day" is removed from the sentence. For instance, you could say "I was playing tennis when President Obama arrived and complimented me on my form." You would not say "I played tennis when President Obama arrived" as it sounds as though playing tennis is a response to his arrival (e.g. "I laughed when I opened my present.")

I hope that makes sense!

Ash

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousWhich one of the following sentences sounds right?:1. I played tennis all day2. I was playing tennis all day

1.

CJ

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