PAST CONTINOUS

Basic form

Subject + WAS/WERE + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples

• The man was singing.
• I was resting in the garden when it started to rain.

We usually use the Past Continuous to talk about activities that lasted for some time in the past. The actions can be interruped by something or can be happening at the same time.

Use

1. Duration in the past 
2. Interrupted actions in progress
3. Actions in progress at the same time in the past
4. Irritation
5. Polite question

example:

1. I was watching TV yesterday in the evening.

2. I was talking with James when the telephone rang.

3.When Bob was painting windows, Mary was working in the kitchen.

4. I was thinking you might help me with this problem.

5. She was always coming late for dinner!