Past Continuous Tense

 

The past continuous tense, also known as the past progressive tense, refers to a continuing action or state happening at some point in the past. The past continuous tense is formed by combining the past tense of to be (i.e., was/were) with the verb’s present participle (-ing word).

There are many situations in which this verb tense might be used in a sentence. For example, it is often used to describe conditions that existed in the past.

Example: As I spoke, the children were laughing at my cleverness.

It can also describe something that was happening continuously in the past when another action interrupted it.

Example: I was making dinner when she arrived.

The past continuous can shed light on what was happening at a precise time in the past.

Example: At 6 o’clock, I was eating dinner.

It can also refer to a habitual action in the past.

Example: She was constantly talking in class in those days.

One final caution: Though the irregularities are few, not every verb is suited to describing a continuous action. Certain verbs can’t be used in the past continuous tense. One typical example is the verb to arrive.

Incorrect: At noon, he was arriving.

Correct: At noon, he arrived.