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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