Past Continuous Tense Example
Once students learn the past continuous tense, they will be able to describe actions that were happening at a specific time in the past, talk about interrupted actions, and set the scene in a story. The past continuous tense is used to show that an action was in progress at a particular moment, often alongside another event.
To learn the past continuous tense, students will need lots of practice, so we have put together this list of past continuous tense examples. First, let’s look at what the past continuous tense is and how to form it.
What is the Past Continuous Tense?
The past continuous tense is used to describe actions that were happening at a specific time in the past. It often emphasizes that an action was ongoing or in progress before something else happened.
For example:
- I was reading a book when the phone rang.
- They were playing football at 3 p.m.
This tense is commonly used to:
- Describe an action in progress at a particular time in the past (She was studying at midnight).
- Talk about two actions happening at the same time (I was cooking while he was washing the dishes).
- Show that a past action was interrupted by another event (We were walking in the park when it started to rain).
- Set the background scene in a story (The sun was shining, and the birds were singing).
Next, let’s look at how to form the past continuous tense.
How to Form the Past Continuous Tense
The past continuous tense is formed using the past tense of “to be” (was/were) + the base verb + -ing.
- Affirmative:Subject + was/were + verb (-ing)
- Example: She was watching TV.
- Negative:Subject + was/were + not + verb (-ing)
- Example: They were not playing outside.
- Question:Was/Were + subject + verb (-ing)?
- Example: Was he reading a book?
Now that we know how to form the past continuous tense, let’s look at some example sentences in context.
Past Continuous Tense Examples
- She was watching TV when I called her.
- We were playing football at 3 p.m.
- He was cooking dinner while she was setting the table.
- They were studying for the exam all evening.
- I was reading a book when the power went out.
- I was sleeping when the phone rang.
- She was walking to school when it started to rain.
- They were having lunch when the fire alarm went off.
- We were talking when the teacher entered the room.
- He was driving home when he saw the accident.
- I was cooking while he was cleaning the kitchen.
- They were dancing while the band was playing.
- She was writing an email while her friend was texting.
- We were watching TV while our parents were chatting.
- The students were discussing the project while the teacher was writing on the board.
- The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
- The children were laughing as they played in the park.
- She was walking through the forest when she heard a noise.
- The wind was blowing, and the leaves were falling from the trees.
- People were cheering as the team entered the stadium.
- At that time, I was working at a restaurant.
- She was living in Paris for a few months last year.
- They were practicing every evening for the big competition.
- We were traveling around Europe during the summer.
- He was learning Spanish while staying in Spain.
- I was wondering if you could help me with this.
- She was hoping to meet you at the event.
- We were thinking about going to the beach this weekend.
- He was considering changing jobs at the time.
- They were expecting more guests to arrive.
Past Continuous Tense Resources
Thanks for reading! If you’re teaching the past continuous tense or want to practice it, here are some free resources to help you.
Past Continuous Worksheets
Past Continuous Quiz
How To Teach The Past Continuous
Past Continuous Exercise