She was cooking when the phone rang.
She works at a hospital.
→ general truth / permanent job
I drink coffee every morning.
→ regular habit
She is working late tonight.
→ temporary / happening now
I am drinking coffee right now.
→ action at this moment
He left the office at six.
→ completed action, specific time
The phone rang.
→ sudden interrupting event
I was cooking when she called.
→ ongoing background action
It was raining all afternoon.
→ extended past action
I have seen that film.
→ life experience, time not given
She has broken her leg.
→ result still affects now
I saw that film last Friday.
→ specific past time stated
She broke her leg two weeks ago.
→ finished, time reference given
I was knowing the answer.
I knew the answer. ✓ (stative verb — no -ing)
I have tried sushi last week.
I tried sushi last week. ✓ (finished time → simple past)
She has called me last night.
She called me last night. ✓ (specific time → simple past)
He works here at the moment.
He is working here at the moment. ✓ (temporary = progressive)
Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.
My sister worksA in Berlin now, butB she has workedC in Rome last year beforeD she moved.
Chas worked → worked
✓ a finished past time → past simple
Every morningsA I checkB my email beforeC I leaveD the house.
AEvery mornings → Every morning
✓ every takes a singular noun
She is studyingA French this term becauseB she wantsC to work in Paris, and she is knowingD a little already.
Dis knowing → knows
✓ know is stative — no continuous
Use the right tense — and say why.
If you can say when, use the simple past; if the time is unknown or ongoing, reach for the present perfect.