When the Lights Went Out
Learn how the past continuous sets the scene for an interruption.
Highlighted words show the past continuous.
Everyone was busy when the entire neighborhood suddenly became dark.
At eight o’clock, the Rivera family was spending a normal evening at home. Mr. Rivera was cooking dinner, his wife was talking on the phone, and their children were doing homework at the kitchen table. Outside, the wind was blowing hard.
Suddenly, the lights went out. For a few seconds, nobody moved. Then Mr. Rivera found a flashlight while the children were looking for candles. The family ate dinner by candlelight and told funny stories. When the electricity returned, they were laughing so much that nobody turned the television on.
UNDERSTAND THE TENSE
Why the Past Continuous?
Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a past time, often interrupted by a shorter action.
Three examples from the story
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Mr. Rivera was cooking when the lights went out.
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The wind was blowing hard.
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They were laughing when the electricity returned.
One quick challenge
Complete: The children ___ homework when the lights went out.