The Past Continuous is formed with was or were + the -ing form of the main verb. The choice between was and were depends entirely on the subject.
-ing → cook → cooking · read → reading · play → playing-e: drop the e, add -ing → drive → driving · make → making · write → writing-ie: change ie to y → lie → lying · die → dying
Some verbs describe states rather than actions. These verbs cannot be used in the Past Continuous — even when describing a past situation. Always use the Past Simple for these verbs.
These time expressions typically signal that the Past Continuous is needed.
The Past Continuous is used in six different situations. Select one below to practise. Each page includes five exercise sets and a full grammar explanation.
Use the Past Continuous to say what was happening at a specific moment. Example: At 9pm last night, she was watching TV.
Use the Past Continuous for actions that were ongoing throughout a longer past period. Example: She was studying all that summer.
Use the Past Continuous for a situation that was slowly changing over time. Example: The situation was getting worse every day.
Use the Past Continuous with always or constantly to describe irritating or surprising repeated behaviour. Example: He was always leaving his keys somewhere.
Use the Past Continuous for habits that existed during a temporary past period but are no longer true. Example: That year, she was cycling to work every day.
Understand when to use each tense and why the choice changes the meaning. Example: I read the book (completed) vs I was reading the book (in progress).