Past Continuous Tense

What Past Continuous Tense Tells Us?

The Past continuous tense tells us about a continuing action, something that was happening, going on, at some point in the past, and the action is thought to be finished. This tense does not give a clear sense whether the action has finshed or not. This tense is formed with the helping "to be" verb(was) plus ing form of the verb.

For example:

1. He was sleeping when I got home.

2. They were eating when I called them.

3. He was playing. (not clear, whether he is still playing or not)

4. She was studying. (not clear, whether he is still studying or not)

5. I was watching a movie. (It suggests that I am not watching now.)

6. I was writing a letter. (but it is necessary that the letter has been written completely)

7. I was going to school.

8. He was driving a car.

9. Everyone was laughing.

10. The child was crying.

11. My father was always shouting at my brother.

Structure of Past Continuous Tense

Positive:

Subject + was + ing form of the verb 

He + was + playing

Negative:

Subject + was + not + ing form of the verb

He + was + not + going + to school

Interrogative:

Was + subject + ing form of the verb

Was + he + sleeping?

Negative Interrogative:

Was + subject + not + ing form of the verb

Was + he + not + going + to school.