What is the difference between simple past and past continuous

Hi,

how do I know when is a past tense Vs past continuous

Because they look different.

Have you studied how to make these tenses?

Here are examples.

past tense - Mary smiled

past continuous - Mary was smiling

Best wishes, Clive

The past is just one word. (talked)
The past continuous is was or were followed by the -ing form of the verb. (was talking, were talking)

CJ