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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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marlene_eugenio

Philippines

My hubby was cleaning our house while i am here at the office doing some report.


08:50 AM Oct 06 2012 |

mandaandani

Indonesia

while my mom was cleaning the electric fan, i was studying anglish grammar in Ebaby 


i was still sleeping when my friend came to my house


i was searching for my vocabulary while they gave me a birthday surprise 


my dad was minding his work while i requested him to help my homework

09:01 AM Oct 01 2012 |

2 people like this

mandaandani

Indonesia

while Tom  texted me, i was chating with his dad 

08:10 AM Oct 01 2012 |

mandaandani

Indonesia

jonathan was suspecting his close friend when he lost his phone two days ago

08:06 AM Oct 01 2012 |

hamza1977

Iraq

I was swmming while my frind sat

02:48 AM Sep 16 2012 |

hamza1977

Iraq

hi

02:45 AM Sep 16 2012 |

nourelyakine

Algeria

I was walking while the rain falls Innocent

05:16 PM Sep 14 2012 |

iyse leigh

iyse leigh

Philippines

Jehan was studying her lesson when a friend came.


03:15 AM Aug 04 2012 |

iyse leigh

iyse leigh

Philippines

While iyse was reading a novel, i was listening to the music.

03:13 AM Aug 04 2012 |

Ashkan01

Ashkan01

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

I was sleeping ion my bed when tv showed my favorite movie!

02:35 PM Jul 16 2012 |