(1) 過去進行時通常表示一個過去正在進行的動作;而一般過去時則通常表示一個過去已經(jīng)完成的動作。如: I was reading the newspaper last night. 我昨晚在看書。(不一定看完) I read the newspaper last night. 我昨晚看了報紙。(已經(jīng)看完) He was building a model ship out of wood. 他在那裡脩一座橋。(不一定建成) He built a model ship out of wood. 他用木頭造了個模型船。(已建成) (2) 少數(shù)動詞如rain, snow, cough, wear, feel, work等的一般過去時竝不表示動作完成,這時用兩種時態(tài)都可以,且含義區(qū)別不大。如: It snowed / was snowing all day yesterday. 昨天下了一天的雪。 She didn't feel / wasn't feeling well that day. 那天她感到不太舒服。 The child coughed / was coughing all night. 這孩子咳嗽了一整夜。