Using the Past Continuous

(or past progessive tense)

The past continuous tense in English is used quite often, especially when telling stories.

(Click here to learn about how to MAKE this tense)

1	A continuous action in the past which is interrupted by another action or a time: I was taking a bath when the telephone rang. At three o'clock, I was working.
2	Background information, to give atmosphere to a story: It was a beautiful day. The birds were singing, the sun was shining and in the cafes people were laughing and chatting.
3	An annoying and repeated action in the past, usually with 'always': He was always leaving the tap running. (In the same way as the Present Continuous)
4	For two actions which happened at the same time in the past: I was watching TV and he was reading.

NB:Remember you can't use this tense or any continuous tense with stative verbs.

• Try exercise 1 about the past continuous and the past simple here
• Try exercise 2 here