Telling Stories in the Past

**Past Simple** for completed actions: *I walked to work yesterday*. **Past Continuous** for background or ongoing actions: *I was walking when it started to rain*. ⚠️ In stories, Past Continuous sets the scene, Past Simple moves the plot: *The sun **was shining** (continuous — scene). We **decided** (simple — action) to go to the beach.*

**Present Perfect** for life experience (no specific time): *I have visited London*. **Past Simple** for a specific past time: *I visited London in 2023*.

💡 **"I did" vs "I have done"** — Arabic speakers often confuse these. Remember: if you can add a specific time (yesterday, last year, in 2023), use Past Simple. If not, use Present Perfect.