Grammar Glow

Past Continuous Tense

The Past Continuous Tense (also known as the Past Progressive Tense) is a verb tense used to describe actions that were ongoing or in progress at a specific time in the past. It emphasizes the duration or continuity of an action rather than its completion.

Uses of Past Continuous Tense

1. Describing Actions that Were Ongoing at a Specific Time in the Past

The Past Continuous tense describes actions that were happening at a certain time in the past. It shows that these actions were ongoing.

Examples

At 8 PM last night, I was studying.

2. Setting the Scene in a Narrative

The Past Continuous tense is used in stories to give background information. It helps create a picture of what was happening.

Examples

It was a rainy day. The wind was blowing, and I was walking home.

3. Indicating Simultaneous Actions in the Past

The Past Continuous tense shows two or more actions happening at the same time in the past.

Examples

While she was cooking, her kids were playing.

Forming Past Continuous Tense

1. Affirmative Form

Structure:

Subject + Was/Were + Verb-ing

Examples

I was reading a book.
They were playing soccer.
She was studying for her exam.

2. Negative Form

Structure:

Subject + Was/Were + Not + Verb-ing

Examples

I was not watching TV.
They were not eating dinner.
He was not sleeping at that time.

3. Question Form

Structure:

Was/Were + Subject + Verb-ing?

Examples

Was she dancing at the party?
Were they playing outside?
What was he doing yesterday?

Common Time Expressions

At that time
Yesterday
Last night
At 7 PM
While
When
Earlier
In the past
Throughout the evening
During the storm

Past Continuous Tense Uses of Past Continuous Tense Forming Past Continuous Tense Common Time Expressions