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Past Progressive Tense

The past progressive tense (also sometimes called "past continuous") is formed by using was/were + main verb + ing, as in, "We were eating dinner when the phone rang."

We use the past progressive tense to talk about actions that were already in progress when another action took place in the past. (At the moment the phone rang, we were already in the process of eating dinner.)

It's also common to use this tense to talk about two on-going actions that were happening at the same time in the past, as in, "While Justin Timberlake was finishing his new album, his fans were waiting for the chance to hear it."

Finally, we can also use this tense to talk about actions in the past that took place over time, as in, "I couldn't sleep last night because dogs were barking the whole night."

Past Progressive Tense Grammar Quiz

  1. While you sweating in the hot sun, I was hanging out in the air conditioned shopping mall.

  2. I lost my watch while I was .

  3. The family at the table sharing cookies.

  4. Julie in the coffee shop when her friend texted her to come to the bar.

  5. While I was cleaning the apartment, were you ?

Go Super to see the answers! Go Super!

Past Progressive Tense Lessons:

Trains

Going to College

The Danger Of Drones

Ghosts

Hunting

Bright Eyes

Los Angeles

Proposals

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Comments

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ria-12

ria-12

Indonesia

I was doing my homework when my mother called me to slept.


Please correct my sentence, if it wrong. Thx

02:36 PM Jan 06 2014 |

Asyf

Asyf

Pakistan

Guys, if there is any mistake in my sentance, so kindly correct it, Thanks :)

06:36 AM Sep 06 2013 |

Asyf

Asyf

Pakistan

I was thinking about my future when my friends punished. 


06:35 AM Sep 06 2013 |

Asyf

Asyf

Pakistan

My weapon was losted when I was ruuning from police :P


06:33 AM Sep 06 2013 |

CandiceAcclo

China

i were watching TV when my dad called.

01:58 AM Aug 14 2013 |

padmarai96

India

while i was cooking, she was cleaning.

02:01 PM Jun 16 2013 |

francisco lazo

El Salvador

really good

01:12 PM Jun 03 2013 |

z@fi$

z@fi$

Mexico

really good..!!

09:28 PM May 09 2013 |

fahimrahimi302

Afghanistan

i was eating my lunch when he called me.


03:27 PM May 06 2013 |

naaney

Maldives

i was at the class when my moms called

10:53 AM Mar 10 2013 |