Past Continuous Or Progressive

How to use “Past Continuous”The Past Progressive is used when we talk about something which was happening at an special time in the past. It is also called Past Continuous. Have a look at the following examples:

1) Action was in progress at special time in the past: Peter was reading a book yesterday evening. She was listening to the radio.

2) Two actions were happening at the same time (the actions don’t influence each other):

Anne was writing a letter while Steve was reading the New York Times.

3) Together with the Simple Past: While we were sitting at the breakfast table, the telephone rang.

4) Repeated actions irritating the speaker (with always, constantly, forever):

Andrew was always coming late. (I don't like it.)

Past Progressive’ Forms

Positive Negative QuestionI / he / she / it I was speaking. I was not

speaking.Was I speaking?

you / we / they You were speaking.

You were not speaking.

Were you speaking?

Signal Words of Past Progressivewhen, while, as long as

Examples: Affirmative Form:

You were studying when she called.

Negative Form:You were not studying when she called.

Yes/No Questions:Were you studying when she called?

Wh/Questions:Where were you studying when she called?