Browse Worksheets

Past Continuous with when + past simple

Past continuous with when

Here’s an exercise to practice the past continuous with when and while:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses.

  1. I __________ (watch) TV when the phone __________ (ring).
  2. She __________ (walk) to work when it __________ (start) to rain.
  3. While we __________ (have) dinner, the lights __________ (go) out.
  4. He __________ (drive) to the office when he __________ (see) an accident.
  5. While they __________ (play) football, their mom __________ (call) them.
  6. I __________ (study) when my brother __________ (come) home.
  7. While the teacher __________ (explain) the lesson, some students __________ (talk).
  8. We __________ (sleep) when we __________ (hear) a loud noise outside.
  9. While she __________ (cook), her husband __________ (set) the table.
  10. I __________ (read) a book when my friend __________ (arrive).

Answer Key:

  1. was watching – rang
  2. was walking – started
  3. were having – went
  4. was driving – saw
  5. were playing – called
  6. was studying – came
  7. was explaining – were talking
  8. were sleeping – heard
  9. was cooking – was setting
  10. was reading – arrived

Let me know if you need more exercises or explanations! 😊

Create and Customize Worksheets for Every Classroom

LiveWorksheets makes it easy for teachers, parents and homeschool educators to design and deliver engaging learning materials. Upload a PDF or start from scratch to create what you need: anything from interactive math worksheets to reading comprehension worksheets, multiplication worksheets, and kindergarten worksheets in just a few clicks. Our drag-and-drop editor works across all grade levels and subjects, so you can tailor content to your lesson plans, homework, or assessments. ESL teachers can also build custom ESL worksheets, add a common sound chart, or integrate ESL activities to make each class more engaging. Easily create differentiated, auto-graded activities that save valuable time and support better student learning.

A Complete Library of Learning Resources for K-12 and ESL

Access thousands of ready-to-use worksheets across K-12 subjects, including kindergarten worksheets, math worksheets, multiplication practice, reading comprehension exercises, and ESL resources. Filter by grade, subject, or skill level to find exactly what you need, whether it’s for an elementary classroom, middle school review, or high school practice. ESL teachers can explore our growing collection of ESL worksheets and English as a Second Language activities designed to support all levels of learners. With new content added regularly, LiveWorksheets is a flexible resource that helps build lasting learning outcomes.