Simple Past vs. Past Continuous
I dropped my phone while I climbed the stairs.
I dropped my phone while I was climbing the stairs.
In today’s meeting, our CEO ___ (outline) a bold new strategy.
In today’s meeting, our CEO is outlining a bold new strategy.
She holds ___ PhD in linguistics and works for ___ European Commission.
She holds a PhD in linguistics and works for the European Commission.
No other employee is as efficient as Marta. → Marta is...
No other employee is as efficient as Marta. → Marta is the most efficient employee.
I am knowing the answer.
I know the answer.
He called me just as I entered the building.
He called me just as I was entering the building.
While most departments ___ (focus) on short-term gains, she ___ (fight) for a long-term vision.
While most departments are focusing on short-term gains, she is fighting for a long-term vision.
Her research focuses on ___ impact of social media on language.
Her research focuses on the impact of social media on language.
This model is slightly better than the previous one. → The previous one...
This model is slightly better than the previous one. → The previous one was worse than this one.
He had go to the store when it started to rain.
He was going to the store when it started to rain.
We heard a loud bang while we ate dinner.
We heard a loud bang while we were eating dinner.
Typically, she ___ (speak) with clarity and purpose, but today she ___ (seem) more passionate than usual.
Typically, she speaks with clarity and purpose, but today she seems more passionate than usual.
Although she has ___ unique approach, she rarely seeks ___ public recognition for her work.
Although she has a unique approach, she rarely seeks public recognition for her work.
He’s the most innovative designer (best) I’ve ever worked with. → I’ve never...
He’s the most innovative designer I’ve ever worked with. → I’ve never worked with a designer as good as him.
She eats lunch now, can I call later?
She is eating lunch now; can I call later?
She interrupted him while he explained the proposal.
She interrupted him while he was explaining the proposal.
Do you always ___ (read) in the morning?
Do you always read in the morning?
I don’t like ___ spinach.
I don’t like spinach.
Few films are more compelling than this one. → This is...
Few films are more compelling than this one. → This is the most compelling film.
They watched TV while their mom cooks dinner.
They were watching TV while their mom was cooking dinner.
I read the report and discovered several inconsistencies.
While I was reading the report, I discovered several inconsistencies.
Not always. I usually ___ (go) for a walk, but today it ___ (rain).
Not always. I usually go for a walk, but today it is raining.
We went to ___ school early.
We went to school early.
Their last proposal was less realistic than this one. → This proposal
Their last proposal was less realistic than this one. → This proposal was more realistic than the last one.
The teacher is talks to the students.
The teacher talking to the students.