Tenses Guide
Past Continuous
Structure
Subject + was/were + Verb-ing
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Usage
For actions ongoing at a specific past moment. Used for background actions interrupted by another action, parallel actions, and setting scenes in storytelling.
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Examples
1. I was watching TV when the phone rang.
2. They were playing at 5 PM yesterday.
3. While she cooked, I set the table.
4. The sun was shining when we left.
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Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: For completed actions. WRONG: I was going to school yesterday. CORRECT: I went to school yesterday.
Mistake 2: was/were. WRONG: They was playing. CORRECT: They were playing.
Mistake 3: With stative verbs. WRONG: I was knowing. CORRECT: I knew.
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Test Your Knowledge
Mini Quiz
1/ 1
Complete: 'While I ___ dinner, the telephone rang.'
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