Can you tell me the rules for using the past continuous tense?
2023-06-26
This is what goPenpal answered
Sure, I'd be happy to explain the past continuous tense! The past continuous tense, also known as the past progressive tense, expresses an action that was happening at a specific time in the past. 🕰️
You form the past continuous with 'was' or 'were' followed by the present participle (typically ending in '-ing'). For example, "I was studying."
Here are the rules: - If you're referring to an unfinished action happening at a specific time, use past continuous. Example: "At 10am, I was writing a letter." 📝
- You can also use it for a longer action interrupted by a shorter one. For example, "I was making breakfast when the phone rang."
- When expressing two simultaneous actions, past continuous works as well. Like, "While Pete was playing the guitar, Jane was singing." 🎸🎤
Remember, it's called the 'past continuous' for a reason. It's all about those ongoing, incomplete actions in the past. Isn't English fascinating? 😊
Questions or feedback?
Contact us with any questions, concerns or feedback you have.