Past Continuous Tense

Past Continuous Tense

Past continuous tense describes in progress action in the past when another past action takes place. 

Past Continuous Tense Structure

Pattern: Subject+  was/were + ing form of main verb

Affirmative: Subject + was/were + present participle (verb + -ing)

• Example: She was reading a book when I called.

Negative: Subject + was/were + not + present participle

• Example: They were not watching TV when I arrived.

Interrogative: Was/Were + subject + present participle?

• Example: Was he playing football at that time?

Which has the  following rules

1.  If Pronunciation of verb has silent “e” at the end, that will be removed and ing will be added

Example: 

The sun was shining in the sky. 

2. If Verb ends with CONSONANT and just before it, there is VOWEL which is strongly pronounced, then CONSONANT will be doubled and ing is added. 

Example: 

Jack was swimming in the pool.

3. Otherwise, just append ing in the end 

Example,

Alex was playing video games when his mother arrived home.
Seema was waiting at the airport when her brother got off the plane.
It was raining at this time yesterday
Michael was reading when I came
The boys were flying kites yesterday

Past Continuous Tense Uses

Interrupted Actions:

• To describe an action that was happening when another action interrupted it.
• Example: I was taking a shower when the phone rang.

Parallel Actions:

• To describe two actions that were happening at the same time.
• Example: While she was cooking, he was setting the table.

Specific Time in the Past:

• To describe what was happening at a specific time in the past.
• Example: At 8 PM last night, we were watching a movie.

Background Information:

• To set the scene or provide background information in a story.
• Example: The sun was setting, and the birds were singing.

Repeated Actions:

• To describe actions that were repeated in the past.
• Example: He was always complaining about his job.

Past Continuous Tense Examples

Affirmative Sentences:

1. I was reading a book when she came in.
2. They were playing soccer all afternoon.
3. She was studying for her exams yesterday.

Negative Sentences:

1. I was not sleeping when you called.
2. They were not listening to the lecture.
3. She was not feeling well last night.

Interrogative Sentences:

1. Was he working late last night?
2. Were they having dinner when you arrived?
3. Was she talking to her friend at that moment?

Time Expressions

• While
• When
• As
• At that moment
• At (specific time)
• All day/night/week

Example Sentences

• While I was walking to the store, I met an old friend.
• They were discussing the project when the manager entered.
• Was it raining when you left the office?
• At 7 AM, she was jogging in the park.
• He was constantly interrupting during the meeting.
• I was reading a book when the phone rang.
• She was cooking dinner while he was setting the table.
• They were playing soccer when it started to rain.
• He was watching TV all evening.
• We were discussing the project when the manager walked in.
• The kids were running around the yard.
• She was painting the walls when I visited.
• The dog was barking loudly at the strangers.
• I was writing an email when the computer crashed.
• They were arguing about the best way to solve the problem.
• The sun was setting when we reached the beach.
• She was singing a beautiful song.
• The students were studying for their exams.
• He was taking a nap on the couch.
• We were planning our vacation.
• I was feeling sick all day yesterday.
• The teacher was explaining the lesson.
• She was driving to work when the accident happened.
• They were laughing at the funny joke.
• The team was practicing for the big game.
• He was waiting for the bus.
• We were exploring the city all afternoon.
• She was shopping for groceries.
• The children were playing in the park.
• I was listening to music while working.
• They were building a new house.
• He was fixing the broken car.
• We were watching the fireworks.
• She was preparing a surprise party.
• The cat was chasing a mouse.
• I was enjoying the sunny weather.
• They were dancing at the party.
• He was reading a newspaper.
• We were hiking in the mountains.
• She was swimming in the pool.
• The birds were singing in the morning.
• I was learning a new language.
• They were discussing their future plans.
• He was making coffee.
• We were playing board games.
• She was knitting a scarf.
• The rain was pouring down.
• I was working on my project.
• They were celebrating their anniversary.
• He was cleaning the house.
• We were attending a concert.
• She was drawing a beautiful picture.
• The dog was sleeping peacefully.
• I was waiting for my friend.
• They were planting trees in the garden.
• He was practicing the piano.
• We were watching a movie.
• She was baking cookies.
• The waves were crashing on the shore.
• I was jogging in the park.
• They were playing chess.
• He was repairing the roof.
• We were visiting the museum.
• She was talking on the phone.
• The children were learning to ride bikes.
• I was walking home when it started to snow.
• They were discussing the news.
• He was fishing by the lake.
• We were playing with our dog.
• She was studying late at night.
• The band was rehearsing for the show.
• I was shopping for a new laptop.
• They were moving to a new house.
• He was watching the sunset.
• We were enjoying the festival.
• She was painting a landscape.
• The wind was blowing hard.
• I was organizing my files.
• They were trying a new recipe.
• He was reading a bedtime story.
• We were riding our bikes.
• She was browsing the internet.
• The children were building a sandcastle.
• I was checking my emails.
• They were planning a surprise.
• He was watching a documentary.
• We were having a barbecue.
• She was sewing a dress.
• The fire was burning brightly.
• I was making dinner.
• They were discussing their next move.
• He was gardening.
• We were flying to New York.
• She was writing a letter.
• The children were jumping on the trampoline.
• I was packing for the trip.
• They were exploring the forest.
• He was drawing a comic book.
• We were setting up the tent.
• She was reading a mystery novel.
• The waves were lapping at the boat.
• I was fixing my bike.
• They were taking photos.
• He was learning to play the guitar.
• We were talking about our plans.

Read More: 12 Basic English Verb Tenses with Examples and Usage Tips

Download the Word of the day