What is the structure of Past Continuous Tense in English?

2 Views|Posted 8 months ago
Asked by Shiksha User
1 Answer
P
8 months ago

The past continuous tense is formed using the past tense of the verb "to be" (was/were) followed by the main verb's present participle (verb + -ing).

The structure is: Subject + was/were + verb + -ing. Examples:

·       She was reading a book.

·       They were playing cricket.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Similar Questions for you

Students can follow the below mentioned steps to identify Past Continuous Tense in English Sentence:

·       Look for "was" or "were" as they are essential for forming the past continuous. For example: She was reading a book when the doorbell rang.

·   &nbs

...Read more

Also known as state-of-being verbs, these verbs cannot be used in any continuous tense, including the past continuous. This is because Stative verbs describe feelings that can't be directly observed or measured in terms of progress. Examples:

·       Incorrect: "I was kn

...Read more

Here are some examples:

·       I was watching a show when the power went out.

·       They were working in the office.

·       Mary was watching TV when her parents came home.

...Read more

The past continuous tense adds detail to the concept of storytelling. It provides a sense of continuity to events, showing what was happening at a specific moment, or what was in progress when something else occurred.

Have a look at the Past Perfect Continuous Tense examples below:

  • They had been playing outside when it began to rain.
  • The cats had been meowing all night.
  • The mother had been preparing the meals before the guests arrived.

Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?

Get authentic answers from experts, students and alumni that you won't find anywhere else.

On Shiksha, get access to

66K
Colleges
|
1.2K
Exams
|
6.9L
Reviews
|
1.8M
Answers

Learn more about...

English Tenses

English Tenses

View Exam Details

Most viewed information

Summary

Share Your College Life Experience

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

Search from Shiksha's 1 lakh+ Topics

or

Ask Current Students, Alumni & our Experts

Have a question related to your career & education?

or

See what others like you are asking & answering