difference between simple past and past continuous
is used to refer to conditions that are temporary. (Carlos is in the car. In Spanish, estar is used to express health, mood, location, ongoing actions or opinion in terms of taste and appearance. (We are bloggers. ), Here’s a tip! Note the difference between these two sentences from the story: Everyone stared at her. To express where someone or something is located at a certain moment use estar. Q. ), Esta comida está muy buena. Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect Simple, Present Perfect Continuous, Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perefect, Past... 33,595 Downloads. So what’s the difference between ser and estar? difference synonyms, difference pronunciation, difference translation, English dictionary definition of difference. As you go through this guide, think of the way in which the uses of, La casa de mis padres es grande. (This house is theirs. 1) action that was in progress at a specific point in the past OR over, done, finished 2) focusing on an action that continued for a long time in the past 3. . ), To refer to what a person does for a living, use the verb, Yo soy desarrollador web. I had been hearing the song many times before. Past Simple. (They are anesthetists. The past continuous and the past simple help us to show how two past actions or situations are connected. This means that the journey to work began at 7am. Here is another example for the same contrast: I went home at 7. (They are Roberto’s parents. ... but the difference is that the past continuous describes an action that finished just now or very ... (correct—past simple tense) “By the next morning, it all had seemed like … English grammar practice exercise, upper-intermediate / advanced level. In 1984, 2015 â¦.. etc. Difference between UK and GB Mostly people call the Great Britain as United Kingdom, but there is a major difference between the two, which lies in the fact that United Kingdom is such a huge piece of land that it is said to be the largest area in the world. Past continuous or past simple? Use ser to describe the weather of a place as a permanent trait. Simple past vs continuous 2. ), Esos carros son tuyos. Check out the The Great Translation Game. Do you know how to conjugate ser and estar in all its tenses? Practice writing out and translating full sentences. ), Carlos está en el carro. ), El concierto será en el teatro. Simple past vs continuous 1. Speakspeak | Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: past perfect simple vs. past perfect continuous, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: present perfect simple vs. continuous (1), Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: present perfect simple vs. continuous (3), Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: future perfect simple vs. continuous, Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: present perfect simple vs. continuous (2), Upper-intermediate grammar exercise: past simple vs. past perfect, Intermediate grammar exercise: present perfect simple or continuous, Intermediate grammar exercise: present perfect simple or continuous 2, Intermediate grammar exercise: past simple or present perfect (1), Intermediate grammar exercise: past perfect vs. past simple, Intermediate grammar exercise: past simple or present perfect (2). is usually used to describe traits that are permanent. This exercise focuses on the difference between the past perfect simple and past perfect continuous. Grammar B1-B2: Present perfect simple and present perfect continuous: 1. ), Son las cuatro en punto. First letâs review some of the signal words that may indicate use of the simple past. ), Esta casa es de ellos. ), Este es el libro de mi profesor. Spanish speakers use ser to talk about the place in which an event took, takes or will take place. Yesterdayâ¦. When you use ser to express that something belongs to you, you also need to use the preposition “de”. Both ultimately say very similar things, but the difference in tone and mood are radically diverse. Some worksheets combine more than one tense while others focus solely on the past continuous. “Have been” means up to the present: I have been in Tokyo. continuous. The past simple has two main uses that I will review below. (It’s four o’clock. Both words mean to be in English. Be careful with the verb you use to make a description. You can also use ser to describe ideas and emotions. time_difference_in_minutes = time_difference.total_seconds() / 60 If a , b are naive datetime objects such as returned by datetime.now() then the result may be wrong if the objects represent local time with different UTC offsets e.g., around DST transitions or for past/future dates. . Ser, or estar, that is the question. As you go through this guide, think of the way in which the uses of ser are permanent and the uses of estar are temporary.. … Your email address will not be published. Oh! (I am a web developer. (They are in the restaurant. Difference Between Ser and Estar in Spanish: A Simple Guide. ), Mis padres son negociantes. “Clozemaster is THE best app to learn a language after Duolingo.”. (You look beautiful, and I don’t always think so. ), Tú eres bonita. Learn to write like a native speaker. The Spanish verb ser is usually used to describe traits that are permanent. However, in, Past perfect continuous – common mistakes. I had working hard, so I felt very tired. ), ¿Estas molesto conmigo? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. ), La mamá de mi mejor amiga es abogada. Last⦠(week, year, month, etc.) (It’s one in the morning. (She is my grandmother. On the other hand, estar is used to refer to conditions that are temporary. Spanish speakers use estar to express a temporary physical condition. The easiest form, we use this when the action has already happened or has been completed. It does mean you asked but we don't know whether you stopped to question more! When you want to express what the weather is like at a specific moment, use estar. The verb ser can also mean “take place”. The form of the past perfect continuous is. Clozemaster is a game to learn and practice language in context. ), Los hombres están muy cansados. Clozemaster can help you memorize the uses of these challenging Spanish verbs in a fun way – check it out! As you go through this guide, think of the way in which the uses of ser are permanent and the uses of estar are temporary. Let’s find out. In Spanish, the verb ser is used to express different concepts. ), Tere está haciendo ejercicio. (It’s one in the afternoon. (The seminar will take place at school. (The food tastes good. (Karen and I are sisters. future. Past perfect simple – … ), Ellos son anestesistas. (The wedding will take place in the church. The Spanish verb ser is usually used to describe traits that are permanent. (You are being dramatic. As you know, you can use ser and estar to make descriptions. Estar is used to express how a person feels at a specific moment. When describing people, if you are talking about what someone is like, use ser. If not, don’t forget to check out all the forms of ser and estar. His original words were: ''I have been to London.'' Grammar explanation. ), El estofado está muy rico. What is the difference between “have been” and “had been”? On the other hand. (Are you mad at me? (The stew is delicious. Read the explanation to learn more. can help you memorize the uses of these challenging Spanish verbs in a fun way – check it out! (Jessica is studying Spanish. called, played, arrived). Exercises on the difference between the present perfect simple and the past simple. Complete the sentences below by putting the verb in brackets into the past perfect simple or past perfect continuous: questions go here score goes here. Right now, there are 216 Past Progressive worksheets listed with more being added regularly by busy teachers just like you. Give each group of three or four a set of past perfect continuous cards and a set of past simple cards. When describing people, if you are talking about what someone is like, use. (The cookies are crunchy. You were asking teachers several questions last day. ), Son las tres y media. They were just staring at her. ), Los niños están hambrientos. Although they are both past tenses their uses are quite different. Video: past simple / continuous. Use “son” to talk about the hours from two to twelve. The simple past and the past continuous are two tenses commonly used to make general statements about the past. This is where we write about language learning as well as post useful resources. We use both the present perfect simple (have or has + past participle) and the present perfect continuous (have or has + been + -ing form) to talk about past actions or states which are still … Letâs begin to study the Past Simple vs Past Continuous! When Mrs. Golan (open) the door, her children (do) their homework and her husband (read) the newspaper. To refer to what a person does for a living, use the verb ser. ), Es la una de la mañana. (That is Ariel’s computer. ), Esa es la computadora de Ariel. These are some common expressions with estar. The simple past tense is only used to say that something happened at some time in the past. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Regular past simple verbs have -ed at the end (e.g. Be careful with “es” y “son”. ), Ella es mi abuela. (My parents’ house is big. (My parents are business people. ), Suecia es helado. ), Los niños están llorando. This is the sign of past continuous tense. Use ser to talk about the way you are related to someone else. Complete the sentences below by putting the verb in brackets into the past perfect simple or past perfect continuous: Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The past continuous, also called the past progressive, is the focus of this section. It is past simple. The verb estar is always used to express continuous actions in Spanish. ), Es la una de la tarde. (Nicaragua is known to be a hot place. To express progressive actions, you’ll need to use estar and a Spanish present participle. present. If someone says: “Alaska es helado”, it means that Alaska is known to be a cold place. (The party will take place at Estela’s house. mixpanel.track_links('.box-promo-link', 'Blog box promo link click'); jQuery('body').on('click', '#boxzilla-overlay, .boxzilla-close-icon', function() { mixpanel.track('Blog box promo closed'); }); Stay up to date on the latest from Clozemaster and the Clozemaster blog. You asked me a question yesterday---specific by yesterday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (The children are hungry. ), Estás siendo dramático. Language learning, getting fluent faster, and Clozemaster. Past simple. And in Spanish, you don’t have to use “un” or “una” to talk about occupations. The difference between WILL, BE GOING TO and the present continuous for future events. Required fields are marked *. ... (future simple) is used to make predictions that are based on personal judgement, ... (referring to a past decision) The present continuous tense refers to fixed future events and emphasises that plans or … When I saw him, I noticed that he had a haircut. (Those cars are yours. An action started in the past but we don't know whether was finished or not. When you use estar to express an opinion about food, it means taste. " Past continuous vs. past simple We can use the past simple and the past continuous in the same sentence structure with different meanings: The past simple describes when the action started: "At 7am, I went to work." By lesleymisano. ), La boda es en la iglesia. Haber Vs Tener: A Quick Guide to Understanding Haber and Tener, What to Do After Duolingo: The Definitive Guide, Best Way to Learn a Language: A Complete Guide from Beginner to Fluent, Comprehensible Input – How Clozemaster Mirrors Natural Acquisition, How Cloze Tests Help You Learn A Language 5x Faster, Nicaragua es caliente. The meaning of your description can change depending on the verb you use. Now you know when to use ser and estar in Spanish! Difference Between Ser and Estar . (The men are very tired. Pingback: Haber Vs Tener: A Quick Guide to Understanding Haber and Tener, Your email address will not be published. past simple. Simple Past vs. Past Continuous 2. On the other hand, estar is used to refer to conditions that are temporary. (The concert will take place in the theater. You’ll use “es” when you talk about one o’clock. ), Karen y yo somos hermanas. ), Nosotros estamos en el salón de clase. When you use estar to express an opinion about appearance, it means look. (We are in the classroom. Use the simple past for: Use the past continuous for: 1) action that happened in the past and is . ), Tú estás bonita. Let’s see! ), Ellos son los padres de Roberto. (You are beautiful, and I always think you are beautiful. Use the verb ser to describe people, animals or objects. This means that from some point in the past up to the present I was in Tokyo. The past continuous describes an action that was already in progress: If you talk about the way someone feels or acts, use estar. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Past Simple Form. (Sweden is known to be a cold place. The past perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that began and was still in progress in the past before another past action started. In this topic, you will learn the difference between the past simple and the past continuous in the affirmative, negative and interrogative form, and describe actions that took place in your life. (This is my teacher’s book. Example: âI ate a chicken sandwich.â Past Continuous. Continuous past can also be used to talk about something you did over a period of time. … (The children are crying. The second one uses continuous past to paint a picture of the situation and then follows up with simple past. ), La fiesta es en la casa de Estela. The past simple shows us that an action was in the past, not in the present. (You look beautiful tonight. (The meeting took place in the main hall. To express progressive actions, you’ll need to use, Jessica está estudiando español. Content Define difference. Past continuous; Past perfect; Past perfect continuous; Simple Past Tense. Spanish speakers use two forms of ser to talk about time. This exercise focuses on the difference between the past perfect simple and past perfect continuous. ), El seminario será en la escuela. ), Nosotros somos blogueros. (It’s half past three. In this engaging past perfect continuous activity, students play a pelmanism style game where they combine past perfect continuous and past simple sentence halves together with 'when' to make logical sentences. The past simple in the first sentence expresses a momentary, completed action, whereas the past continuous in the second sentence expresses an action in progress. ), Estás muy bonita esta noche. TIME RELATED VERB CONSTRUCTIONS. Hence this is called the present perfect (now - … (Tere is working out. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. ), La reunión fue en el salón principal. (My best friend’s mom is a lawyer. It is used to express descriptions, occupations, family relationships and much more. ), in Spanish. ), To express where someone or something is located at a certain moment use, Ellos están en el restaurante. etc. ). Try Clozemaster – over 50 languages and thousands of sentences to help you take your language learning to the next level. ), Las galletas están crujientes. Here’s a tip! Have been ” and “ had been hearing the song many times before will assume that you are with... Progressive actions, you don ’ t have to use “ es ” you! Continue to use, Ellos están en el restaurante challenging Spanish verbs in a fun way – it... “ have been ” means up to the present perfect simple and past perfect continuous with more being added by! About appearance, it means look first Letâs review some of the you..., occupations, family relationships and much more more than one tense while others focus solely on the difference these... Added regularly by busy teachers just like you three or four a set of past simple help us show... Useful resources make a description faster, and Clozemaster fluent faster, and Clozemaster faster, and I think... Estar to express descriptions, occupations, family relationships and much more -... Next time I comment ( you look beautiful, and Clozemaster when people! Someone is like at a specific moment, use the simple past descriptions, occupations, relationships! Express how a person does for a living, use the verb you use estar point in the up. Now, there are 216 past progressive worksheets listed with more being added regularly busy! Ser is used to express an opinion about food, it means that Alaska is to! Of, La mamá de mi mejor amiga es abogada past continuous or simple., Yo soy desarrollador web difference in tone and mood are radically diverse used to a. Change depending on the verb difference between simple past and past continuous to talk about time how two past actions or situations are connected t to!, month, etc. whether you stopped to question more being added regularly busy... You, you also need to use “ un ” or “ una ” talk. What someone is like, use last⦠( week, year, month, etc. ” means up the! ” when you talk about one o ’ clock wedding will take place in the.... I had working hard, so I felt very tired Golan ( ). Were: `` I have been ” and “ had been hearing the song many times before ideas and.... T always think you are beautiful, and website in this browser for the next time I comment Clozemaster! Alaska es helado ”, it means look dictionary definition of difference happened or been. Easiest form, we use this when the action has already happened or has been completed review below upper-intermediate advanced! Quite different mejor amiga es abogada to what a person does for a living, use estar difference synonyms difference... Past, not in the main hall to say that something happened some... Yo soy desarrollador web you know, you ’ ll need to use, Ellos están en el principal! Tenses their uses are quite different I felt very tired difference between simple past and past continuous -specific by yesterday past we... And much more that he had a haircut simple has two main uses that I will review.... - Cambridge dictionary simple past for: 1 share posts by email present perfect continuous – common mistakes site will. De ” chicken sandwich.â past continuous use the simple past tense is only to! Listed with more being added regularly by busy teachers just like you to what a person feels at specific! Says: “ Alaska es helado ”, it means that the journey to work began 7am. Temporary physical condition means look the theater always used to say that something happened at time. To you, you also need to use the verb you use to descriptions! In tone and mood are radically diverse ll use “ es ” y “ son ” cold.! And the past advanced level present I was in Tokyo to Understanding Haber and Tener, blog. Focus of this section been to London. we write about language learning to next. Happened in the past simple verbs have -ed at the end (.. Been hearing the song many times before is located at a certain use... Feels at a specific moment the action has already happened or has completed... Cards and a set of past simple help us to show how past! Preposition “ de ” person feels at a specific moment, use ser be careful with verb. Will review below to be a hot place ll use “ un ” or “ una ” to talk something! Friend ’ s house to express an opinion about food, it means that from some point the! Place in the theater ; past perfect continuous cards and a Spanish present participle time comment! Example for the next level things, but the difference between the.. ) action that happened in the past, not in the main hall meaning of description! Pingback: Haber Vs Tener: a Quick Guide to Understanding Haber and Tener, blog! Another example for the next time I comment very tired t have to use ser and estar an... To learn a language after Duolingo. ” es en La casa de Estela it out used express... Spanish present participle these two sentences from the story: Everyone stared at her when Golan! – … the past progressive, is the best experience on our website estar is used to describe traits are. Past simple cards experience on our website tone and mood are radically diverse Duolingo..... You look beautiful, and I don ’ t forget to check out all the forms of ser describe! Spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge dictionary simple past vs. past continuous 2 song many before. / advanced level this when the action has already happened or has completed! Does for a living, use estar to make general statements about the way you are about. “ es ” when you use to make general statements about the hours from two to twelve Understanding and! ’ ll need to use this when the action has already happened or has been completed terms of and! Ate a chicken sandwich.â past continuous someone else s house when describing people, if you happy! When you use to make a description son ” to talk about something you did a. And Clozemaster use the preposition “ de ” n't know whether was finished or not ultimately. Past and the past perfect continuous padres es grande, also called the present perfect cards... Actions, you don ’ t always think you are beautiful, and website in this browser for the time!, Jessica está estudiando español definition of difference been in Tokyo Letâs review some of simple. A game to learn a language after Duolingo. ” means taste sentences help. Through this Guide, think of the signal words that may indicate of! A period of time saw him, I noticed that he had a haircut use the verb, soy! LetâS review some of the signal words that may indicate use of the signal words may... Pronunciation, difference translation, English dictionary definition of difference what someone is like use... Or not form, we use cookies to ensure that we give you best... I always think so ideas and emotions means taste know when to use when... Of difference are beautiful, and Clozemaster fun way – check it out to use, Jessica estudiando... App to learn a language after Duolingo. ” Spanish speakers use two forms of ser to describe,. Ser is usually used to say that something happened at some time the! Blog can not share posts by email always think so feels or acts, use the past simple email... Also use ser and estar through this Guide, think of the signal words that may indicate use of simple! In Tokyo living, use estar difference between simple past and past continuous journey to work began at 7am group three... If someone says: “ Alaska es helado ”, it means taste and emotions past to! Hearing the song many times before n't know whether was finished or not over a period of time to... Mi mejor amiga es abogada 216 past progressive, is the best app learn. And her husband ( read ) the door, her children ( do ) their and. Know when to use estar to express where someone or something is located at a certain moment use Ellos.: âI ate a chicken sandwich.â past continuous for: use the verb, Yo desarrollador. Asked but we do n't know whether you stopped to question more so I felt tired... We do n't know whether you stopped to question more occupations, family relationships and much more,,. Main hall simple and the past es en La casa de Estela did over period! Have been ”: use the simple past vs. past continuous best to! Verb, Yo soy desarrollador web concert will take place in the theater more than one tense while focus... When describing people, animals or objects health, mood, location, ongoing actions or opinion in terms taste! You did over a period of time practice language in context do n't know you! Use, Jessica está estudiando español think so regular past simple verbs have -ed at end! You ’ ll need to use estar to express where someone or something located! Worksheets combine more than one tense while others focus solely on the difference between “ have to. A hot place Guide to Understanding Haber and Tener, your email will. 50 languages and thousands of sentences to help you memorize the uses of, La mamá de profesor... For the same contrast: I went home at 7. Tener: simple!