English grammar
Setting the scene, then what happened
Set the scene of a story in the past, then say what happened.
From the scene It was night and it was raining
In short
Set the scene with was / were or was + -ing: it was raining. Tell what happened next with the past simple.
Your turn
Which one goes with the scene: what it was like?
Options: suddenly, I heard a noise · everything was dark · it was night and it was raining (NOT "was raining")
Show answer
the scene: what it was like → everything was dark
How it works
To set the scene of a story (what things were like, what was going on), use was/were or the past continuous: it was raining, everything was dark.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
It was night-time and it (blank) raining hard.
Clue: background scene
Options: has been · was · did
Show answer
It was night-time and it was raining hard.
Era de noche y llovía mucho.
Good to know
To say what happened next, use the simple past: I heard, I opened, I saw.
the scene: time and weather it was night and it was raining (NOT "was raining")
the scene: what it was like everything was dark
Elena
Everything was dark. There was no noise at all.
Todo estaba oscuro. No había ningún ruido.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). There was no noise at all.
Options: It was night and it was raining · I heard a noise · Everything was dark
Show answer
Elena
Everything was dark. There was no noise at all.
Todo estaba oscuro. No había ningún ruido.
what happened: past simple suddenly, I heard a noise
Elena
Suddenly, I heard a noise on the stairs.
De repente, oí un ruido en la escalera.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) on the stairs.
Options: It was night and it was raining · Everything was dark · Suddenly, I heard a noise
Show answer
Elena
Suddenly, I heard a noise on the stairs.
De repente, oí un ruido en la escalera.
the next events I opened the door and saw
Elena
I opened the door and saw… sugar on the stairs.
Abrí la puerta y vi… azúcar en la escalera.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)… sugar on the stairs.
Options: I opened the door and saw · It was night and it was raining · Everything was dark
Show answer
Elena
I opened the door and saw… sugar on the stairs.
Abrí la puerta y vi… azúcar en la escalera.
Watch out
English always needs it for weather and time — it was raining, NOT 'was raining'.
Common mistake
Not was hearing or hear here. One sudden event, not background.
Suddenly, I heard a noise on the stairs.
De repente, oí un ruido en la escalera.
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: time and weather | it was night and it was raining (NOT "was raining") |
|---|---|
| the scene: what it was like | everything was dark |
| what happened: past simple | suddenly, I heard a noise |
| the next events | I opened the door and saw |
More lines from the story
- ElenaIt was night-time and it was raining hard.Era de noche y llovía mucho.
- NuriaSugar? A very sweet thief!¿Azúcar? ¡Un ladrón muy dulce!
- ElenaNuria, listen. Something strange happened last night.Nuria, escucha. Anoche pasó algo raro.