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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #4090: Simple Preterite OR Preterite (BE+ing)
    > Other English exercises on the same topic: | Past [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Past simple or present perfect - Past tenses - Past simple (video) - Modal: may/might - Past simple or continuous - Placement test 1 - Adverbs and past tense - Choosing your past tense...
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    Simple Preterite OR Preterite (BE+ing)




    Grammar match: THE SIMPLE PAST vs. PRETERITE: BE + -ING

    SIMPLE PAST

    PRETERITE: BE + ING

    SYNTAX

    * Affirmative:
    -> Regular verbs: BV + -ED
    eg. We played football.

    -> Irregular verbs: please learn them
    eg. We ate a sandwich.

    * Questions & negation: use the auxiliary DID.
    eg. Did you play football?
    eg. No, we didn't play (did not play) football.

    * All forms (regular & irregular verbs):
    we use the auxiliary BE in the past(WAS/WERE) + base form ending in -ING:

    eg.
    Were you playing football?
    Yes, we were playing football.
    No, we weren't (were not) playing football.

    MAIN USE

    A short action, which took place in the past. It is often dated.
    eg. In 1998, I went to Spain.
    An action in the past, which was being done, when another short action interrupted it.
    eg. I was having a bath when the phone rang.






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    English exercise "Simple Preterite OR Preterite (BE+ing)" created by webmaster with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from webmaster]
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    Last week, I (buy) a new car.
    Sarah (do) her homework when you (arrive).
    What (you/do) last summer?
    Peter (not to go) to school because he (to be) too tired.








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