Past

Progressive
WHAT IS THE
PAST
PROGRESSIVE
TENSE?
The PAST PROGRESSIVE TENSE
indicates continuing action,
something that was happening,
going on, at some point in the past.
This tense is formed with the
helping “to be” verb, in the past
tense, plus the present participle of
the verb (with an –ing ending)
The pattern in making a past
progressive tense statement is:
(subject + was/were + verb in
present progressive or the –ing
form)
Example:
• We were watering the plants this
morning.
• I was cooking tortillas yesterday.
 The 3 uses of
past progressive
1. Used to refer to actions
continuously happening at a
certain moment in the past.
Example:
• It was raining last night.
• They were arguing about
something.
2. Used for two actions
happening at the same time
in the past.
Example:
• Stephen was crying while her
mother was scolding down.
• We were dancing while Ricky
was reading book.
3. Used for interruptions
while certain actions are
happening in the past.
Example:
• I was walking when it rained.
• My mom was cooking when
the phone rang.
 QUIZ
Put the verbs into the correct form
(past progressive).
Example:
When I phoned my friends, they (play)
were playing monopoly.
1. I (practice) __________ the guitar
when he came home.
2. I tried to tell them the truth
but they (listen / not) _________.
3. Yesterday at six I (prepare)
_______ dinner.
4-5. While Josh (work) _______ in his room,
his friends (swim) ________ in the pool.
Thank You!