Past Continuous Tense

Uses of Past Continuous Tense

Use Case 1: Action going on at some time in the past

We use Past Continuous Tense to indicate an action going on at some time in the past (the time of the action may or may not be indicated).

The noise was getting louder.
We were watching the kids all night.

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Use Case 2: Temporary situation

Past Continuous Tense is used to talk about a temporary situation that existed at or around a particular time in the past:

During the time of the great depression, people were fighting even for bread and butter.
Ronaldo was not playing well, so he was substituted.

Use Case 3: Persistent habits

Past Continuous Tense is also used with always, continually, etc. to showcase persistent habits in the past.

He was always gambling.

On going action in the past – It will be in Past continuous tense
Interrupted action – It will be in Simple past tense

I was having a bath when somebody knocked at the door.

Tom was passing through the forest when a tiger jumped at him.




Different Sentence structures of the Past Continuous tense

We use the following helping verbs in past continuous tense (depending on person and number of subject):

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It is not necessary that ‘was/were’ will always work as helping verbs. They can function as main verbs too.

In imaginary sentence, ‘were’ is used with all subjects (no matter whether it is used as a helping verb or main verb).

I wish, I were a lion. (were – main verb)
She pretended as if she were hallucinating. (were – helping verb)

Structure of Declarative sentences

Affirmative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + was/were + $V_4$ + Object

Aanya was playing badminton.
They were playing badminton.  

Negative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + was/were not + $V_4$ + Object

Aanya was not playing badminton.
They were not playing badminton.

We can write was/were not as wasn’t/weren’t too.

Structure of Interrogative sentences

Affirmative Interrogative Sentences

Pattern 1: Was/Were + Subject + $V_4$ + Object?

Was Aanya playing badminton?
Were they playing badminton?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + was/were + Subject + $V_4$ + Object?

Where was Aanya playing badminton?
Where were they playing badminton?

Negative Interrogative Sentences

Pattern 1: Was/Were + Subject + not + $V_4$ + Object?

Was Aanya not playing badminton?
Were they not playing badminton?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + was/were + Subject + not + $V_4$ + Object?

Why was Aanya not playing badminton?
Why were they not playing badminton?

Extra Books and Tools


1. Wren & Martin - This book has been around for long and is still considered one of the best.

Links for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

High School English Grammar and Composition Paperback

Key to Wren and Martin

Link for Indian readers: Wren and Martin


2. More advanced learners may refer to the following books. However, buy them only if you must.

A. Essential English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Essential Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Essential English Grammar

B. Intermediate English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: English Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Intermediate English Grammar

C. Advanced English Grammar by Martin Hewings

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Advanced Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Advanced English Grammar


So much so for Englsh Grammar. But what about Comprehension skills and Vocabulary?

For this, I prefer to read on gadgets like Kindle. We may just tap on any word and see its meaning there and then. It's also not taxing on the eyes. There are a multitude of Kindle models and versions available. Though, any model will meet our basic reading needs.

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

Link for Indian readers: Kindle

If you want to know more about such recommended books, you may read this article of ours.
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