Past Continuous
Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.
Level B1
Tenses
Summary
- Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.
Structure
subject + was/were + verb-ing
Examples
- I was watching TV when the phone rang.
- While she was cooking, he was setting the table.
- At 8 p.m. last night, we were driving home.
- They weren't listening to the teacher.
Common mistakes
- • Use past simple for the interrupting action: NOT 'when the phone was ringing' (for a single interruption) → 'when the phone rang.'
- • Don't use continuous with state verbs: NOT 'I was knowing' → 'I knew.'
Related
More tenses
Present Simple
A1
Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.
Present Continuous
A1
Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.
Past Simple
A1
Use the past simple for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; many common verbs are irregular.
Future with 'Going To'
A2
Use 'going to' for plans and intentions decided before now, and for predictions based on present evidence.
Future with 'Will'
A2
Use 'will' for predictions, instant decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and offers.
Present Perfect
B1
Use the present perfect to connect a past action to the present — for life experiences, recent changes, and unfinished time periods. The exact time is not stated.