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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

past

Hello, could you please explain the differences between the past simple and continuous to me? Could you tell me basic rules how to use them? I have read a lot about it, but I am still a bit confused. Thank you very much
  

Top answer

If you have already read a lot of rules, which ones confuse you? We can hardly spend our time repeating what you have already read in the grammar books. Start with this link and then tell us what still worries you:

— Mister Micawber

  • If you have already read a lot of rules, which ones confuse you?
  • We can hardly spend our time repeating what you have already read in the grammar books.
  • Start with this link and then tell us what still worries you:
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6 Answers
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If you have already read a lot of rules, which ones confuse you? We can hardly spend our time repeating what you have already read in the grammar books.

Start with this link and then tell us what still worries you:

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Thank you. I understand the examples and explanation in the link you sent me. But how about the following sentences?

I was looking for you yesterday.
I was looking forward to going on holiday.
Sue was listening to some music.

Why is the past continuous used here? There is no other activity happening in the middle of it.
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If there is no further context, the first two indicate a heightened emotional component. The third will need further context (another embedded past action) to make it appropriate.
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Anonymous-
I was looking for you yesterday.
I was looking forward to going on holiday.
Sue was listening to some music.

Why is the past continuous used here? There is no other activity happening in the middle of it.
There is no other activity that is mentioned, but how do we know what the rest of the situation contained? Sentences like th
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