The past progressive is used to describe an action that began in the past, continued for a period of time, and then ended in the past. Before you continue, review these lessons: Verb BE | Present participle.
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The past progressive, sometimes called the past continuous, is formed with the verb BE conjugated in the simple past (was | were) followed by a present participle. This is the formula: subject + BE + (verb+ing).
subject | BE | present participle |
I | was | dreaming. |
The children | were | crying |
The past progressive is often used to describe what was happening at the time something else was happening.
The sun was setting as we walked along the beach. |
Susan and Tom were sleeping while I was working. |
The past progressive can also describe what was happening at the time another event interrupted that action.
As I was reading my book, the power went out. |
While I was crossing the street, my cell phone rang. |
Related lessons: