simple & Continuous

Hi

I am actually confused when to use the following tenses, while I am talking.

examples:

1-I eat an apple (is this mean any time during today?)
2-I am eating an apple ( is this mean at this time(now)?)
3-I ate an apple (is this mean yesterday or any time on the past?)
4-I was eating an apple (i dont know when i have to use it?)


Thanks

Hi, imany :) .
First let me state I am not a qualified teacher.
If I am treading on any toes here please say so and I will bow out gracefuly.

You are correct with your knowledge of when to use the first three examples.

Your last example is used when you were eating an apple whilst something else was happening. e.g.

I was eating an apple when I saw a large green worm crawl over my fingers.

During class I was eating an apple when the teacher threw a large piece of wood at me (chair) to show his displeasure at my actions.

The term you use - is this mean - should read....does this mean.

Hope this helps .

[Red5]

Originally Posted by John D

First let me state I am not a qualified teacher.
If I am treading on any toes here please say so and I will bow out gracefuly.

Personally, I am very please you have joined us and contributed so much already. One does not need to be qualified to offer advice. You will probably be corrected at times by other members here as well, just as they might be corrected.

In fact, I am not a qualified teacher myself.

We have staff members who are certainly qualified and are active teachers, and staff who are simply experts in the use of the English language.

I hope you feel at home here, and look forward to reading you again. :)

Welcome to the forum! :D

[Tdol]

In John's examples (

I was eating an apple when I saw a large green worm crawl over my fingers.

During class I was eating an apple when the teacher threw a large piece of wood at me (chair) to show his displeasure at my actions.

) the continuous form (was eating) describes the longer action that was interrupted by a shorter one. :D

Thanks it became clear to me

[Tdol]

You're welcome. It can also be used for two long actions happening at the same time:

While you were sitting around watching TV, I was working!

:P

Hi John D

Thanks

but i need to know the meaning of two expressions you used in your reply

1- let me state : (is it means let me say?)

2-bow out ; i dont know the meaning of this word

thanks again

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by imany

1- let me state : (is it means let me say?- YES)

2-bow out ; i dont know the meaning of this word- If you bow out of something, you leave it, like an argument or a conversation.

:D