Past Simple
|
Past Progressive
|
a complete action or event which
happened at an exact time in the past
The first festival took place in 1989. |
a past action which was in progress
when another action interrupted it
The performers were singing when the rain started. |
a complete past action not connected
to the present
Mikayil Mushfig wrote a lot of poems. (He is dead; he won't write any more) |
two or more actions which were
happening at the same time in the
past
Most of the people were crying while they were watching the video. |
Can
|
Could
|
Present
|
Meaning
|
Past
|
I can draw really badly.
|
Ability
|
I couldn't draw anything
when I wasn't sleeping
|
Informal
Can you tell us about yourself and your art? |
Request
|
Formal
Could you please tell us about some of your most memorable drawings? |
Present
|
He is able to draw unique
paintings.
|
Past
|
Past I wasn't able to draw
anything nice.
|
Future
|
Future I will be able to
visit more places.
|