Past Continuous Tense
Past Continuous Tense
1.We use the past continuous Tense to show that an action was going on at a definite time in the past, or that an action or situation continued for a period of time in the past.
Example:
At 4.30 yesterday afternoon, I was giving a solo recital at the music academy.
(definite time in the past)
Paul and his little son were painting crayons and watercolours for hours before dinnertime.
(continuous action in the past)
2.We use the past continuous Tense or the simple past tense for two actions that were going on at the same time in the past.
Example:
Alex was checking the accounts while Cynthia was reading her report.
(past continuous tense)
Alex checked the accounts while Cynthia read her report.
(simple past tense)
3. To show that something happened while a longer action was going on in the past,
We use the past continuous tense for the longer action and the simple past tense for the shorter action.
Example:
Ted and I were arguing about whose turn it was to do the dishes when our mother came and scolded us.
were arguing:- (past continuous tense)
came & scolded:- (simple past tense)
4.We use the past continuous Tense to refer to repeated action in the past with adverbs of frequency such as always or forever, or for future action that was planned in the past but did not take place for some reason.
Example:
Aunt Flora was forever nagging me about registering for driving lessons.
(repeated action)
Zack was going to accept that job offer in London but changed his mind later
(future action in the past but which did not happen)
Learning English by Uncle Teng 
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