The past continuous tense is used to describe actions in the past and continue for a period in the past.^[1]https://7esl.com/past-continuous-tense/

Past Continuous Tense Usage

Parallel Actions in the Past

You can use the past continuous to describe parallel actions happening in the past.

For example:

• While I was
  working out, I received a phone call.
• While they were
  cleaning the bathroom, I was
  cleaning the kitchen.
• While Susie was
  studying, Frank was watching TV.

Describe what someone was doing in the past

You can use the past continuous verb tense to describe what someone was doing at a particular time in the past.

For example:

• They were
  working in the office yesterday.
• We were
  studying for the final exam all weekend.
• Elizabeth was
  eating dinner last night at 7pm.

Interrupted Actions in the Past

You can use the past continuous verb conjugation to talk about interrupted actions in the past.

For example:

• I was
  driving when I received the bad news.
• I was
  working on the project when they told me it was canceled.
• We were
  eating dinner when the phone rang.

Repetition in the Past

You can use the past continuous to talk about repetitions and irritations in the past.

For example:

• They were
  always talking in class.
• We were always
  complaining to the teacher.
• I was always forgetting to do my homework.

Example Exercises

Use the words to write a sentence in the past continuous tense.

How did you do?

If some of these questions were tricky don’t worry — this is one of the topics that confuses English learners the most.

Sometimes reading alone isn’t enough. A private one on one lesson can clear up any confusion quickly and help you use this grammar naturally and confidently.