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Talk the Talk: (Conversational) Mastering Conversational English B1 Intermediate Past Progressive (When and While)

Using “When” and “While” with Progressive and Simple Past

Understanding how to use “when” and “while” correctly in sentences can greatly improve your English fluency, especially when talking about past events. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master these connectors.

“When” with Simple Past

Usage: “When” is commonly used to indicate that a shorter action or event happened during a longer action or at a specific point in the past.

Formula:

When + Simple Past, Simple Past
Simple Past + when + Simple Past

Examples:

Order	Sentences
1.	When the alarm went off, I jumped out of bed.
2.	When he finished his homework, he played video games.
3.	When the teacher called my name, I stood up.
4.	When the sun set, we started the campfire.
5.	When the movie ended, we went home.
6.	She was surprised when she saw the birthday cake.
7.	The baby cried when the dog barked.
8.	They left the restaurant when they finished their meal.
9.	I felt relieved when I found my lost keys.
10.	He smiled when he received the gift

Fill-in-the-Blanks Quiz: “When” with Simple Past

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses. Use the simple past tense for both actions.

1. When the dog (bark), the baby (wake up).

2. She (finish) her homework when her friend (arrive).

3. When the clock (strike) twelve, they (begin) to dance.

4. I (lose) my keys when I (run) to catch the bus.

5. When the teacher (enter) the room, the students (stand) up.

6. He (get) a phone call when he (drive) to work.

7. When the storm (start), we (leave) the beach.

8. She (spill) her coffee when she (open) the door.

9. When the fireworks (begin), everyone (cheer).

10. He (hurt) his ankle when he (jump) off the wall.

11. When the music (play), they (start) dancing.

12. I (drop) the glass when I (hear) the noise.

13. When the bell (ring), the students (run) out of the classroom.

14. She (find) a wallet when she (walk) home.

15. When the sun (rise), we (begin) our hike.

“While” with Past Progressive

Usage: “While” is used to show that two actions were happening at the same time in the past. It often pairs with the past progressive tense.

Formula:

While + Past Progressive, Past Progressive
Past Progressive + while + Past Progressive

Examples:

Order	Sentences
1.	While I was reading a book, she was knitting a sweater.
2.	While they were painting the house, we were gardening.
3.	While he was cooking dinner, she was setting the table.
4.	While I was writing my report, my colleague was researching the data.
5.	While we were hiking in the mountains, they were swimming in the lake.
6.	While the teacher was explaining the lesson, the students were taking notes.
7.	While I was cleaning the kitchen, my brother was vacuuming the living room.
8.	While she was preparing for her presentation, he was organizing the meeting room.
9.	While the children were playing outside, their parents were chatting on the porch.
10.	While the dog was barking, the cat was hiding under the bed.

Scrambled Sentences Quiz: Using “While” with Past Progressive

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences to make correct sentences using the past progressive tense with “while.” Remember to show that two actions were happening at the same time.

1. (was / I / a book / reading / knitting / while / a sweater / she / was)

2. (they / painting / were / the house / while / gardening / we / were)

3. (he / cooking / while / she / was / dinner / was / setting / the table)

4. (we / hiking / while / were / in the mountains / swimming / they / were / in the lake)

5. (was / explaining / the teacher / the lesson / while / were / the students / taking / notes)

6. (cleaning / I / the kitchen / vacuuming / my brother / was / was / while / the living room)

7. (she / was / preparing / her presentation / for / while / he / was / organizing / the meeting room)

8. (playing / while / the children / outside / their parents / were / were / chatting / on the porch)

9. (the dog / was / while / the cat / was / barking / hiding / under the bed)

10. (writing / while / I / my report / was / researching / my colleague / was / the data)

11. (was / the kids / while / were / watching / I / the movie / cleaning / the house)

12. (the phone / while / were / ringing / was / we / cooking / breakfast)

13. (singing / were / the choir / while / was / the audience / clapping)

14. (the doctor / the patient / was / while / checking / was / the nurse / was / taking / notes)

15. (was / while / the chef / cooking / the waiter / the food / was / serving)

Combining “When” and “While” with Progressive and Simple Past

1. Short action interrupts a longer action:

Use “when” to connect a simple past action that interrupts a past progressive action.

Formula:

Past Progressive + when + Simple Past

Example:

I was reading a book when the lights went out.

Order	Sentences
1.	I was taking a shower when the phone rang.
2.	She was baking cookies when she remembered she needed more sugar.
3.	They were playing chess when the power went out.
4.	He was walking to the store when he bumped into an old friend.
5.	We were watching a movie when the doorbell rang.
6.	I was studying for my exam when my friend called me.
7.	The children were playing in the garden when it started to rain.
8.	She was writing an email when her computer crashed.
9.	They were having dinner when the fire alarm went off.
10.	I was driving home when I saw a deer on the road.

2. Two simultaneous longer actions:

Use “while” to connect two past progressive actions happening at the same time.

Formula:

While + Past Progressive, Past Progressive

Example:

Order	Sentences
1.	While I was reading a book, she was knitting a sweater.
2.	While they were painting the house, we were gardening.
3.	While he was cooking dinner, she was setting the table.
4.	While we were hiking in the mountains, they were swimming in the lake.
5.	While the teacher was explaining the lesson, the students were taking notes.
6.	While I was cleaning the kitchen, my brother was vacuuming the living room.
7.	While she was preparing for her presentation, he was organizing the meeting room.
8.	While the children were playing outside, their parents were chatting on the porch.
9.	While the dog was barking, the cat was hiding under the bed.
10.	While I was writing my report, my colleague was researching the data.

3. Background action and a shorter action:

Use “when” to connect a simple past action to a past progressive action that provides the background.

Formula:

When + Simple Past, Past Progressive

Example:

Order	Sentences
1.	When the phone rang, I was taking a nap.
2.	When she arrived at the party, everyone was dancing.
3.	When the fire alarm went off, they were having a meeting.
4.	When the storm started, we were walking home.
5.	When he called, I was cooking dinner.
6.	When the movie began, we were still finding our seats.
7.	When the teacher asked a question, I was daydreaming.
8.	When the lights went out, they were watching a movie.
9.	When he knocked on the door, I was reading a book.
10.	When the mail arrived, she was doing her homework.

Practice Exercises

Fi.ll in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses:

By understanding these rules and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to use “when” and “while” with past tenses accurately and naturally. Feel free to explore more examples and create your own sentences to solidify your learning.

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