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Nov 17, 2022 · The past continuous tense shows a continuous action that began in the past. It is the past tense version of the present continuous, which also describes ongoing actions. The present and past continuous are very similar, but the past continuous uses was and were, the past tense of to be.
English Grammar. Verbs. Past tense. Past continuous. Level: beginner. The past continuous is made from the past tense of the verb be and the –ing form of a verb: We use the past continuous to talk about the past: for something which happened before and after another action: The children were doing their homework when I got home.
May 2, 2024 · The past continuous tense, also known as the past progressive tense, is a verb tense used to describe an action or event that was in progress at a specific time in the past. This article will explain how to use the past continuous tense and provide examples to help you understand it better.
- USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past. Use the past continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the simple past.
- USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption. In USE 1, described above, the past continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the simple past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
- USE 3 Parallel Actions. When you use the past continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time.
- USE 4 Atmosphere. In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past. Example: When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped.
The Past Continuous tense is an important tense in English. We use it to say what we were in the middle of doing at a particular moment in the past. In this lesson we look at the structure and the use of the Past Continuous tense, followed by a quiz to check your understanding.
Spelling. Past continuous: uses. Events happening at a particular time in the past. We generally use the past continuous to talk about actions and states in progress (happening) around a particular time in the past. It can emphasise that the action or state continued for a period of time in the past: A: Where was Donna last night? B: I’m not sure.
May 13, 2024 · The Past Continuous is used to describe actions that began in the past and often continued for a short period of time after the action started. The structure of the Past Continuous Tense is: Was/were + V-ing (Present Participle) Example: At three o’clock yesterday, I was working in the garden.
