Which phrase would be more correct?

[sondra]

Hello,


Which phrase would be more correct? -'While he was answering it' or 'when he answered it.'

While Tom was reading in his bed last night, his phone rang. When/While he was answering it, the caller hanged up.

If I am not mistaken 'when' is not used in past continuous, is it?

Thanks

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello,


Which phrase would be more correct? -'While he was answering it' or 'when he answered it.'

While Tom was reading in his bed last night, his phone rang. When/While he was answering it, the caller hung up.

If I am not mistaken 'when' is not used in past continuous, is it?

Thanks

They could both work. I prefer "when he answered it".

 

[sondra]

But you wouldn't say; 'When he was answering it,' would you?

 

[bhaisahab]

But you wouldn't say; 'When he was answering it,' would you?

It's possible.