When do we use the verb tense?
When do we use simple past?
For finished actions in the past
I WAS LAYING in the park when a dog ran up to me.
Past continuous
The dog breaked the vase when it jumped on the table.
The dog BROKE the vase when it jumped on the table.
Last night, we _________ go an amazing Mexican restaurant. (go)
Fernanda flew to Boston to visit friends last weekend.
It is a finished action in the past and we know the time
When do we use past continuous?
For an action that was happening in the past, for background information, or a longer action before a shorter action
The photographer TOOK 250 pictures throughout the night.
Simple past
Alessandra were working when her boss emailed her.
Alessandra WAS working when her boss called her.
Our family ________ many family vacations together in the past. (take)
took / has taken
I was talking on the phone when I was making dinner last night.
It's an action that was in progress at a specific moment in the past (the specific moment is also when I was making dinner)
When do we use past perfect?
For an action that happened before a different action in simple past
Luiz HAD ALREADY GOTTEN his girlfriend a gift before they went shopping.
Past perfect
Leo have been to Las Vegas 4 times.
Leo HAS been to Las Vegas 4 times.
We __________ to Big Bear when it started snowing. (drive)
We've been learning about the past all month.
This action started in the past and continues to the present
When do we use present perfect continuous?
For an action that started in the past and continues
I'VE NEVER BEEN to Hawaii but I want to go!
Present perfect
I have been go to Spanish classes every week for 2 years.
I have been GOING to Spanish classes every week for 2 years.
Pamela arrived at the train station at 8:00 but the train ____ already ________ . (leave)
had already left
They had never been to Texas before their trip last month.
This action occurred before the other action in the past
When do we use present perfect?
1) For finished actions in the past
2) For actions that started in the past and continue
Shelby'S BEEN STUDYING to be a teacher for the last 2 years.
Present perfect continuous
She has already seen the movie in the theater before we watched it at home.
She HAD already seen the movie in the theater before we watched it at home.
How long ________ you __________ Carol? (know)
have you known
I've been to Tijuana 5 times.
This is a finished action in the past with no time