While

Question

when does the connector while take past simple?
how do you explain this example?
while i was in new York, i visited the statue of liberty
i know that while +was/were +ving, this example is meaningful , but i can't explain it

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWhen does the connector 'while' take past simple?

while must take the non-continuous form if the verb is a "non-progressive" verb like be, have, know, contain, or belong (and many others). The most common one is be.

While I was in Japan, ...
While the children were busy, ...
While the boss was away, ...

For other verbs while usually takes the continuous form of a verb, but it can also take the past simple, especially when two activities are going on at the same time.

Jack was dancing while Sue was singing. OR Jack danced while Sue sang.
While Henry was working on the car, Laura was planting flowers. OR While Henry worked on the car, Laura planted flowers.
I was washing the dishes while you were doing crossword puzzles. OR I washed the dishes while you did crossword puzzles.

CJ

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