Learn English – “When we worked together” vs “when we were working together” or can I use “when” with continous tenses

past-tensetenses

In one Russian discussion group devoted to ESL, I was advised that using when with continuous tenses is incorrect in English.

To be exact, we were discussing how to translate a phrase about one’s former collegue. So two possible translations were:

  1. When we worked together she was (used to be) nice.
  2. When we were working together she was nice (to me).

I do agree that using simple tenses might be a better choice here. The question is whether the use of continuous tenses is always a mistake — is it?

Best Answer

I think the important thing to keep in mind for a non-native speaker of English is that when the reference time is in the past, there are two ways to render a habitual meaning: with a simple preterite form, and with the compound past continuous form. So in general, both of the forms should be correct.

This is true, however, only for verbs whose meanings involve an action which has a palpable duration like work, live. e.g.,

  1. When I lived in Utrecht, I used to love to take walks.
  2. When I was living in Utrecht, I used to love to take walks.

For verbs with punctual meaning, like fall, only the simple preterite form is appropriate for a habitual meaning, and whenever is more appropriate than when. e.g.,

  1. Whenever I fell, Thomas would help me up. (refers to a habitual event)
  2. ?When I was falling, Thomas helped me up. (sounds odd, because it would refer to a single act of falling)
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