Past Continuous
El Past Continuous es un tiempo verbal básico para expresarnos correctamente y extremadamente útil para niveles intermedios. Aquí te lo explico todo.
Table of contents
In this article, we are going to learn how to use the past continuous in English. Like the past simple, it is one of the most basic verb tenses, though not necessarily the easiest to use. But don’t worry, because I’m going to explain exactly how the past continuous is formed and when it is used.
The Past Continuous in English
Structure of the Past Continuous
The past continuous is formed with the auxiliary verb to be in the past simple (was/were) and the -ing form of the main verb. That is, the verb to be changes between was or were depending on the subject, while the main verb always takes its gerund form in -ing.
[auxiliary verb «to be» in past simple] + [main verb in –ing]
was/were + verb-ing
Let’s look at a couple of examples:
I was making lunch when you called. (past continuous of «make»)
They were arguing about something, but I can’t remember what. (past continuous of «argue»)
When to use the Past Continuous
The past continuous is used to express that an action extended over a period of time (usually undetermined) in the past. Primarily, this occurs in two contexts:
- When two actions occur simultaneously: in this case, we usually see two past continuous verbs in the same sentence.
I was studying while you were cleaning.
The secretary was taking notes while the meeting was taking place.
- When one action interrupts another that is happening: in this case, one action in the past simple usually interrupts or occurs while another action in the past continuous is happening.
When you arrived, I was having a shower.
The telephone rang as we were leaving the room.
Sentences in Past Continuous
Below we will look at affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences in the past continuous so you can learn to use the past continuous properly.
Past Continuous: affirmative sentences
[subject] + [auxiliary verb «to be» in past simple] + [main verb in –ing]
I/you/she/etc. + was/were + verb-ing
It was raining, so we decided not to go out.
I was trying to study, but it was impossible with all that noise.
They were driving to Dublin when the accident happened.
While Sheila was buying the tickets, Rob was getting some food.
She was giving a speech when they barged into the room.
Past Continuous: negative sentences
[subject] + [auxiliary verb «to be» in past simple] + [negation adverb] + [main verb in –ing]
I/you/she/etc. + was/were + not + verb-ing
It wasn’t raining, so we decided to go out.
I wasn’t studying, so the noise didn’t bother me
Thankfully, I wasn’t driving when the accident happened.
Please, believe me, I wasn’t trying to offend you.
Don’t worry, I wasn’t watching anything interesting on TV.
Past Continuous: interrogative sentences or questions
[auxiliary verb «to be»] + [subject] + [main verb]
was/were + I/you/she/etc. + verb-ing
Was it raining when you left the house?
Were you sleeping when we arrived last night?
Why were you making so much noise?
How were you trying to fix it before asking me for help?
Oh, sorry, wasn’t I speaking loud enough?
When and While: Essential Adverbs for the Past Continuous
As I mentioned earlier, the past continuous is usually used when two actions occur simultaneously or when one action interrupts another. In these cases, the use of while and when is very common, respectively, although they are not the only ones used, nor is their use limited to the presence of the past continuous, obviously.
While and the Past Continuous
The meaning of while is literally «mientras» (meanwhile), which means it is usually used when two actions take place simultaneously. And it can be used both at the beginning of the sentence and in the middle, separating the two parts of the sentence. For example:
I was heating some food in the oven while I was ironing the clothes.
While you were visiting your friends, I was working like a slave.
When and the Past Continuous
The meaning of when is «cuando» (when) or «en el momento en que» (at the moment when), so it is very typical to use it with the past simple and the past continuous to express that one action interrupts another or occurs while another was taking place. Like while, we can use when at the beginning of the sentence and in the middle, separating the two parts of the sentence. For example
I was meditating when the idea occurred to me.
When I got home, they were having a fight.
And that’s all you need to know about the past continuous. But if you have any doubts, questions, or suggestions, just leave me a comment and I will reply as soon as possible.