[Grammar] Past Simple VS Past Continuous VS Present Perfect

[naweewra]

Hello,

Which tense is the most appropriate in the following context? If they are all possible, can you explain the difference in nuance?

A: I have broken your favourite vase. I'm so sorry.
B: Oh, no! What [did you do/have you done/were you doing]?

Thank you.

Nawee

 

[billmcd]

Hello,

Which tense is the most appropriate in the following context? If they are all possible, can you explain the difference in nuance?

A: I have broken your favourite vase. I'm so sorry.
B: Oh, no! What [did you do/have you done/were you doing]?

Thank you.

Nawee

Given the context and reaction of/at the moment, all three are likely responses with little difference in meaning and all expecting some explanation of how it happened. But "What were you doing?" is a more direct request for an explanation of the actions leading up to the accident.

 

[Raymott]

Hello,

Which tense is the most appropriate in the following context? If they are all possible, can you explain the difference in nuance?

A: I have broken your favourite vase. I'm so sorry.
B: Oh, no! What [did you do/have you done/were you doing]?

Thank you.

Nawee

For me, only "What were you doing?" makes sense.
"What have you done?" has just been answered. You normally ask a question before the answer is given.
"What did you do?" shares a similar problem to the above. He broke your vase. You know that.

More common would be a "How" question. "How did you manage to do that?!" "What were you doing" has the merits of including an implicit 'how'. "What were you doing that led to your breaking my vase?"