Past Continuous

Start with the form

The Past Continuous slide set introduces the form with was or were and a verb ending in -ing. It shows a statement, a question and a negative sentence using the same example. Start there if you want to see how the pieces fit together, then look at the mind map on positive, negative and question forms.

As you study, change a statement into a question or a negative sentence. Return to the examples in the slide set to check how the form changes.

Explore how it is used

The Past Continuous mind map covers an action interrupted in the past and actions happening at the same time. Its examples use “when” and “while” to connect actions. Read each example and identify the action that was in progress.

Another mind map describes an action already happening at a particular time in the past. Compare its examples with the first map to see how each resource presents the tense.

Compare the two tenses

The Past continuous vs Past simple flowchart contrasts longer actions in the past with past actions happening one after another. Use it alongside the mind map comparing the past simple and past continuous. Together, they offer a way to look at the difference before practicing it in sentences.

On this page, Past Continuous is a section of Verb Tenses Overview in English language. The comparison resources connect the topic to that unit by placing the past continuous beside the past simple.

Check your understanding

After studying the maps, try the Past Continuous quiz, which asks you to complete sentences with verbs. Then try Past simple and Past continuous, which includes both forms in a short story. If a sentence is difficult, return to the relevant map and compare it with the examples before trying again.

Choose a resource that matches what you want to practice and explore from there.