English grammar
Setting the scene + moving the story forward
Tell a story using both past tenses together.
From the scene I'll tell you all about it
In short
Set the scene with was or was + -ing; move the action forward with the past simple.
Your turn
Which one goes with the scene: was + -ing?
Options: he was sleepwalking · it was late / it was dark · we heard footsteps
Show answer
the scene: was + -ing → he was sleepwalking
How it works
In a story, was/were and the past continuous set the scene (it was late, he was sleepwalking), and the simple past moves the action forward (we heard footsteps, he took your mangoes).
the scene: was it was late / it was dark
Nuria
I’ll tell you. It was late and everything was dark.
Te lo cuento. Era tarde y todo estaba oscuro.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I’ll tell you. (blank) and everything was dark.
Options: It was late · He was sleepwalking · We heard footsteps
Show answer
Nuria
I’ll tell you. It was late and everything was dark.
Te lo cuento. Era tarde y todo estaba oscuro.
the scene: was + -ing he was sleepwalking
Nuria
It was Don Ramón. He was sleepwalking.
Era Don Ramón. Caminaba dormido.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It was Don Ramón. (blank).
Options: We heard footsteps · He was sleepwalking · It was late
Show answer
Nuria
It was Don Ramón. He was sleepwalking.
Era Don Ramón. Caminaba dormido.
the action: past simple we heard footsteps
Nuria
We were on the stairs when we heard footsteps.
Estábamos en la escalera cuando oímos pasos.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
We were on the stairs when (blank).
Options: he was sleepwalking · we heard footsteps · it was late
Show answer
Nuria
We were on the stairs when we heard footsteps.
Estábamos en la escalera cuando oímos pasos.
the next event he took your mangoes
Nuria
One night, in his sleep, he took your mangoes...
Una noche, dormido, cogió tus mangos...
Your turn
What fills the gap?
One night, in his sleep, (blank)...
Options: he took your mangoes · it was late · he was sleepwalking
Show answer
Nuria
One night, in his sleep, he took your mangoes...
Una noche, dormido, cogió tus mangos...
Watch out
Don't use the simple past for the background: we were on the stairs when we heard footsteps; he was sleepwalking, NOT 'he sleepwalked'.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| the scene: was | it was late / it was dark |
|---|---|
| the scene: was + -ing | he was sleepwalking |
| the action: past simple | we heard footsteps |
| the next event | he took your mangoes |
More lines from the story
- RamónI don’t know... I was asleep!No lo sé... ¡estaba dormido!
- TomásWell, that’s twenty euros, Don Ramón.Pues son veinte euros, Don Ramón.