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Cup cake Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Past perfect continuous versus past continuous

Hi Everyone,

I'm writing a lesson on the past perfect continuous and the past continuous.

I know how to use each tense aspect separately, but when you compare the two, what is the main difference?

Why would you choose one over the other.

For example:

' Carl waited for a cab while he was talking on his mobile.'

versus

' Carl waited for a cab while he had been talking on his mobile.'

How would you describe the use of one over another here?

Thanks
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Top answer

' This is fine. ' I wouldn't say this.

— Xerxes

  • ' This is fine.
  • ' I wouldn't say this.
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6 Answers
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Cup cake' Carl waited for a cab while he was talking on his mobile.'
This is fine.
Cup cake' Carl waited for a cab while he had been talking on his mobile.'
I wouldn't say this.
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Cup cake' Carl waited for a cab while he was talking on his mobile.'
As the two things are happening at the same time, there is no reason at all for a past perfect form.
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What about this: Carl waited for a cab after he had been talking on his mobile?
Is it ok?
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Did he talk on his mobile and then begin to wait for a cab?
Is there any connection between his talking on the mobile and his waiting for a cab?
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fivejedjonDid he talk on his mobile and then begin to wait for a cab?
Yes.
fivejedjonIs there any connection between his talking on the mobile and his waiting for a cab?
In succession. (His talking following, without interruption, his waiting for a cab.)
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Yes, that makes perfect sense. Thanks Anon. Emotion: poolparty

In fact, thanks everyone.
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