Simple past + past continuous

[haras]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #90 "Tenses (1)", question 3

Before you telephoned, I ......... watching television.

(a) was
(b) will be
(c) am
(d) have

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #90 "Tenses (1)", answer 3

Before you telephoned, I was watching television.

Correct answer: (a) was
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what is the answer?

haras

[Alan]

[Mister Micawber]

.
Was: I was watching TV before you phoned.
.

Oops, sorry. Hi, Alan.

MM
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Kati Svaby]

The past continuous tense:

Is formed of the verb to be + present participle.

Used:

1.for past actions whose exact limits are not known. Used without a time expression it can indicate a gradual development:
For exp: It getting darker. The wind rising
2.used with time expressions implies in the middle of sth
for exp: At eight he was having breakfast.
3. We repalce the time expression with a verb the simple past tense.
When the postman arrived I was talking on the telephone.
4. We use it in descriptions. Note the combination of description (past cont.) with narrative (simple past)
We were watching tv, the baby was sleeping in the other room. Suddenly we heard a knock on the door. I stopped watching TV and came to open the door.

Indirect speech: the present continuous becomes past continuous.
I said,' I am studying now.'
indirect speech:I said I was studying now.
_________________
Kati Svaby

I believe in Persephone's smile!
_________________
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

[Saneta]

Before you telephoned, I was watching television.
Before you telephoned, I had been watching television.

please tell me difference between them.thank you

[Mister Micawber]

There is no difference in meaning. The first is better style because 'before' defines the order of events, so past perfect is uncalled for.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's