Past simple values
An event (or state) which occurred at a definite
point in the past (main value)> She went home at 5
o’clock. I met him outside the museum. You were a
bad brother to me.
Habitual value (repeated action; with frequency
adverb)> She often went back home. Father never ate
desert.
Narrative value (a sequence of events in the past)> I
heard a noise behind me. I turned around. It was just
a barking dog.
Future-in-the-past value (replaces future-in-the-past
form in time and condition clauses)> The world
seemed a dreary place, at least until William grew up.
Attitudinal (polite) value> I hoped you would give
me a hand with this heavy suitcase.
Past perfect value (mainly in time clauses, after
after, as soon as etc.): As soon as/after the heat
relaxed, I went up to the roof to talk to her.
Past continuous values
Temporary use (main value):
a) action ongoing at a certain moment in the past>
Bill was listening to Pavarotti at 5 yesterday.
b) two actions ongoing at the same time in the past>
Mrs.Moore was talking on the phone while her
husband was taking a shower.
c) ongoing action in the past interrupted by non-
durative action> As I was walking down the street, a
rock fell at my feet. / He collapsed suddenly
when/while he was talking to me.
d) temporary situations (incl. repeated actions and
changing situations) > When John Lennon was living
in London, he was working for world peace. For the
first three months after the accident she was receiving
treatment on a weekly basis.
Frame past continous (setting for past actions)>He
walked into the hut. A small fire was burning in the
fireplace.
Future-in-the-past value: personal arrangement>
They were meeting at five in front of the Opera
House.
Attitudinal value (politeness / uncertainty)> I was
wondering if you could go and fetch my slippers. / I
was thinking of having a party next week, but it
depends on how much money I’ve got.
Emotional value (past habit + annoyance /
excitement / surprise)> He was always saying the
wrong thing! He was always bringing her presents!