UNIT 2 — TRAVEL — Lesson 3B
Time Clauses

Look at the following sentences that use examples of the past tense.

Example 1

Jane was packing her suitcase at 9:30. (past continuous) Alison called at 9:35. (simple past)

The two sentences can be joined to make this sentence:

Jane was packing her suitcase when Alison called.

In the sentence:

• the past continuous describes an action that was in progress when another action occurred.
• the simple past is the second action which interrupts the action in progress.
• "when Alison called" is a time clause.

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Example 2

John was packing his suitcase at 9:30. Susan was washing her clothes at 9:30.

The two sentences can be joined to make this sentence:

John was packing his suitcase while Susan was washing her clothes.

In the sentence:

• the past continuous describes two actions in progress at the same time.
• "while Susan was washing her clothes" is a time clause.

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The two example sentences give you information on time clauses and past continuous. This lesson focuses on time clauses. The Grammar & Structure Reference Tool has more information on the different ways to use the Past Continuous.