Past Continuous
The Past Continuous describes an action that was in progress at a specific moment in the past. It is formed with was/were + verb-ing. It is often used alongside the Past Simple to show that an ongoing action was interrupted by a shorter event.
WHEN TO USE
Use for an action in progress at a specific past moment, for two simultaneous past actions, or when a longer past action is interrupted by a shorter one (often with 'when' or 'while').
STRUCTURE
S + was/were + V-ingThey were playing football all afternoon.
S + wasn't/weren't + V-ingShe wasn't sleeping when I called.
Was/Were + S + V-ing?Were you studying at 8 o'clock last night?
SIGNAL WORDS
- while
- when
- at that moment
- at 8 o'clock yesterday
- all morning
- all day
EXAMPLES
I was reading when she called.
They were playing football all afternoon.
What were you doing at 8 o'clock last night?
She was cooking while he was watching TV.
It was raining when we left the house.
SPELLING RULES (HE/SHE/IT)
| Most verbs | add -ing | play → playing, read → reading |
|---|---|---|
| Ends in silent -e | drop -e, add -ing | make → making, drive → driving |
| Short verb ending in consonant-vowel-consonant | double final consonant + -ing | run → running, sit → sitting |
COMMON MISTAKES
I was read when she called.
I was reading when she called.
Past continuous requires was/were + V-ing, not just the base verb
While I was studying, she arrived.
While I was studying, she arrived. ✓ (this is correct!)
This is actually correct! 'while' + past continuous interrupted by past simple
Tip
Remember the classic pattern: 'I WAS doing X when something happened.' The past continuous (was doing) = the long background action. The past simple (happened) = the short interrupting action.