Answer Key

Exercise 2

Are the following sentences correct?

1.   He complained all day about the heat.That is incorrect. Correct is: He was complaining all day about the heat.

2.   We ordered pizza while we were studying last night.That is correct.

3.   The President claimed that he wasn't knowing anything about it.That is incorrect. Correct is: The President claimed that he didn't know anything about it.

4.   While you had lunch, your mom called.That is incorrect. Correct is: While you were having lunch, your mom called.

5.   I was knowing him for years before he moved away.That is incorrect. Correct is: I knew him for years before he moved away.

6.   We were eating for four hours – I'm still so full!That is correct.

7.   I was living in England for twenty years.That is incorrect. Correct is: I lived in England for twenty years.

8.   What an appetite! He was eating five times yesterday.That is incorrect. Correct is: What an appetite! He ate five times yesterday.

9.   What you did while I was out?That is incorrect. Correct is: What were you doing while I was out?

10.   I was wanting to see that film last week, but I couldn't.That is incorrect. Correct is: I wanted to see that film last week, but I couldn't.