Yesterday -

How to use the Past Continuous with the Simple past:

Past Continuous + when + Simple Past

OR

Simple Past + while + Past Continuous

Observe:

4.30 pm Ann's father came back home. (a quick action)

4 o'clock to 5 o'clock Ann was reading the book. (For one hour)

Compare:

Ann was reading the book when her father came home.

OR

Ann's father came home while she was reading the book.

Examples:

1. Pete rang while I was watching TV.

2. Jane was playing tennis when it started to rain.

3. Jack was walking home when the dog attacked him.

4. I fell down and broke my leg while I was skiing.

1. Jim (cook) lunch when his mother (call) on the phone.

2. His dog (run) into the kitchen while he (talk) to her.

3. The dog (eat) his lunch when he (come) back.

4. Jim (shout) at the dog, so it (run) away.

5. Jim (chase) the dog when he (fall).

6. The doorbell (ring) while he (lie) on the floor.

7. His friend came in and caught the dog.