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Newguest Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

past simple/continuous

Hi

Which is better in your opinion and why?

1. He worked at state schools and he also translated a little bit.

2. He was working at state schools and he was also translating a little bit.

Thank you
  

Top answer

Hi, #1, if all you want to do is make a simple statement about past events. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, #1, if all you want to do is make a simple statement about past events.
  • Clive
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7 Answers
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Hi,

#1, if all you want to do is make a simple statement about past events.

Clive
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Hi,

#1, if all you want to do is make a simple statement about past events.

Clive
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CliveHi,

#1, if all you want to do is make a simple statement about past events.

Clive

Hi

So when would you use the second sentence?

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NewguestSo when would you use the second sentence?
The progressive is mainly used in the past for progressive actions or intersecting timelines. He was eating his dinner when the phone rang.
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Huevos
NewguestSo when would you use the second sentence?
The progressive is mainly used in the past for progressive actions or intersecting timelines. He was eating his dinner when the phone rang.

I think I would use the second one if I wanted to underline the duration of something that was happening in the
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Hi,

Yes, both are OK. You just asked which was better , which raises the question of what you mean. If you have a reason for using the continuous, it's fine.

Clive
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