SIMPLE PAST WITH WHEN CLAUSES

SIMPLE PAST WITH WHEN CLAUSES

  ü FUNCTION

The action in when clause happened at the same time or before the order event in the sentence.

With when, however, it might make a difference, depending on whether the verb in the when clause is telic or atelic—has or does not have a final change of state ‘built in’ to its meaning. The verb in your when clause is atelic, so again it makes no difference in your example. But if the verb is telic—leave, for instance, which involves a change of location—it does make a difference.

ü TIME CLAUSES WITH WHEN

 I was singing  when my friend asked me a question.
The past continuous often occurs in time clauses with when.
memorize: The verb in the main clause is in the past continuous
It tells about the action that started first.
The verb in the when clause is in the simple past.
MAIN CLAUSE +TIME CLAUSE
 They were driving to the store when shopping cart hit their car.
 Ellen was standing on the corner when she saw the accident.
TIME CLAUSE + MAIN CLAUSE
     When the shopping cart hit their car, they were driving to the store.
    When she saw the accident, she was standing on the corner.

  ü EXAMPLES

I feel great when I sleep well

(Yo me siento genial cuando duermo bien)

When I sleep well, I feel very great.

(Cuando duermo bien, me siento genial)

Daniel always carries his charger when he goes out of the city.

(Daniel siempre lleva su cargador cuando sale de la ciudad)

My parents walk in the park when they have free time.

(Mis padres caminan en el parque cuando ellos tienen tiempo libre)