A2 · Lesson 22 · 20 min
Past continuous and interrupted actions
In this lesson
- I can use was/were + -ing for an action in progress in the past.
- I can describe a longer past action and an event that interrupted it.
Grammar in context
Yesterday evening, Nia was cooking dinner while her brother was setting the table. At 7.15, the lights went out, so they used candles and ate later.
Which actions were already in progress, and which event happened suddenly?
An action in progress in the past
Use was or were + verb-ing to talk about an activity that was happening at a particular time in the past. Use was with I, he, she and it. Use were with you, we and they. Time phrases such as at six o'clock, yesterday afternoon and when I arrived can show the past time.
- At 6.30, I was waiting for the bus.
- The children were playing in the garden yesterday afternoon.
A longer action and a short event
We often use the past continuous for a background action that was in progress. We use the past simple for a completed event that happened during or interrupted it. The short event can come after when. The two actions do not need to start at the same time.
- Maya was walking home when she saw her neighbour.
- When the phone rang, Ben was having a shower.
Questions and negatives
Make negatives with was not or were not before the verb-ing form. Ask questions by putting was or were before the subject. Use the past continuous when you ask about an action in progress at a past time, rather than only about a finished event.
- We weren't watching television at nine.
- What were you doing when the train stopped?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I was cook dinner when Sam arrived.
Use
I was cooking dinner when Sam arrived.
After was or were, use the verb with -ing.
Avoid
They were walked home when it started to rain.
Use
They were walking home when it started to rain.
Do not use a past -ed form after were in the past continuous.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.