The Past Continuous Tense
The Past Continuous Tense :
The past continuous describes actions or events in a time before now which began in the past and is still going on at the time of speaking. In other words, it expresses an unfinished or incomplete action in the past.
The Past Continuous Tense is used often …..
to describe the background in a story written in the past tense.
The sun was shining and the birds were singing as the elephant came out of the jungle. The other animals were relaxing in the shade of the trees, but the elephant moved very quickly. She was looking for her baby, and she didn't notice the hunter who was watching her through his binoculars. When the shot rang out, she was running towards the river.
to describe an unfinished action that was interrupted by another event or action.
I was having a beautiful dream when the alarm clock rang.
to express a change of mind.
I was going to spend the day at the beach but I've decided to get my homework done instead.
with WONDER to make a very polite request.
I was wondering if you could baby-sit for me tonight.
Examples :
He was waiting for you.
She was writing a letter.
He was driving his car.
She was making preparation for the exam.
The dog was barking at them.
You were smiling to see me.
I was planning about my studies.
They were eating their food.
I was not expecting such a foolish behavior from him.
He was not sleeping.
She was not washing her clothes.
They were not shouting.
You were not driving carefully.
The snake was not running toward you.
She was not decorating her room.
He was not reading the book.
I was not walking alone.
The kids were not playing with the toys.
Were they going to their college?
Was he coming to his home?
Was she singing a song?
Were you asking me something?
Was I calling you?
Were the people shouting at him?
Was he listening to you?
Was she walking in the street?
Were you working in that factory?
Was I answering the question correctly?
The students are not taking part in this competition.
We are not paying the few today.
You are not doing your homework regularly.
She is not playing Tennis properly.
It is not coming towards us.
The Past Continuous Tense :
Elementary English Grammar Index
Related Links : The Past Continuous Tense