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Past Continuous

We use the Past Continuous to talk about past actions in progress. The actions can also be interrupted by something (I was eating my breakfast when the telephone rang), plus there are several other uses.

Use

1.      Actions in progress

2.      Interrupted actions in progress*

3.      Actions in progress at the same time in the past.

4.      Irritation

5.      Timid /polite question (read more below)

* Events that were in progress when another event happened. We often use when to link these two events.

Timid /polite question

·         I was wondering if...
I was thinking you might...

Although these sentences have the Past Continuous form, they apply to the present moment. Their meaning is similar to the "could you" sentences but they are more polite.

·                 I was wondering if you could carry my bag.

A rhinoceros was swatting flies with his tail when suddenly a fly bit him (Use 2)

Form

Positive sentences:

At 3 p.m., I was having lunch (Use 1)
(the lunch started earlier than 3 p.m.)

They were talking about her when she walked into the room. (Use 2)

While Kenneth was cleaning the living room, Sam was washing the dishes. (Use 3)

We were all thinking about our holidays. (Use 1)

Shannon was filling in a questionnaire when the pen ran out of ink. (Use 2)

Yesterday at this time
Steven Sea gal was riding a horse (Use 1)

John was smoking a cigarette when he saw a spider (Use 2)

Questions (interrogative sentences):

Was she going to the theater when it started raining? (Use 2)

What were the defenders doing when Kenneth struck the ball? (Use 2)

Were you painting your house yesterday at 5 p.m.? (Use 1)

Was Mary shopping when the mall was burning? (Use 3)

Negative sentences:

He asked me why I wasn't having dinner at the hotel. (Use 1)

We weren't playing football when the earthquake began. (Use 2)