The past progressive tense captures actions unfolding in the past, using "was" or "were" plus a verb ending in "-ing." This article explains its forms, uses, differences from other tenses, and tips for using it correctly.
What Is the Past Progressive Tense?
The past progressive tense (also called past continuous) shows actions that were happening at a specific past moment. It’s formed with "was" (for I/he/she/it) or "were" (for you/we/they) and the present participle (verb + "-ing," e.g., "walking").
Basic Examples:
- I was writing at 8 p.m. (Ongoing)
- They were laughing when I entered. (Background)
It’s formed as: Subject + was/were + verb(-ing).
Forms of the Past Progressive Tense
Here’s how it shapes up:
| Form | I | You | He/She/It | We/They |
| Affirmative | I was waiting | You were waiting | He was waiting | We were waiting |
| Negative | I wasn’t waiting | You weren’t waiting | He wasn’t waiting | We weren’t waiting |
| Questions | Was I waiting? | Were you waiting? | Was he waiting? | Were we waiting? |
| Passive | I was being told | You were being told | He was being told | We were being told |
Contractions like "wasn’t" or "weren’t" are common. Passive uses was/were + being + past participle (e.g., "The cake was being baked").
Uses of the Past Progressive Tense
It highlights past actions in motion, often with time clues like "at 5 p.m." or "when":
Ongoing Actions
Describes what was happening then.
- She was reading all evening.
- We were hiking at sunset.
Background Actions
Sets the scene for another past event.
- They were chatting when the phone rang.
- I was cooking as he arrived.
Temporary Situations
Shows short-term past states.
- He was living there last month.
- The kids were playing outside yesterday.
Tip: It’s about duration—pair it with a time or interruption.
Past Progressive vs. Other Tenses
It differs from related tenses—here’s how:
Past Progressive vs. Simple Past
Past Progressive: Ongoing (e.g., "I was running").
Simple Past: Complete (e.g., "I ran").
Examples:
- She was painting the wall all day. (Process)
- She painted the wall yesterday. (Finished)
Past Progressive vs. Past Perfect Progressive
Past Progressive: At one past moment (e.g., "They were building").
Past Perfect Progressive: Before another past moment (e.g., "They had been building").
Examples:
- We were fixing it at noon. (Then)
- We had been fixing it for hours. (Before then)
Stative vs. Dynamic Verbs
Stative Verbs
States (e.g., "know," "seem") rarely fit—avoid progressive unless shifting meaning.
- Wrong: I was knowing the answer.
- Right: I knew the answer.
Exception: I was feeling sick. (Temporary state)
Dynamic Verbs
Actions (e.g., "dance," "write") shine here.
- She was dancing all night.
- They were building a shed.
Common Mistakes
- Stative Use: "He was liking it" → "He liked it."
- No Time Clue: I was running (needs "when" or "at").
- Overuse: She was finishing it → She finished it. (Complete, not ongoing)
- Passive Mix-Up: It was fixing → It was being fixed.
Tip: Ensure it’s an action in progress—add context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the past progressive form?
"Was/were + verb(-ing)" (e.g., "I was eating").
When do I use "was" vs. "were"?
"Was" for I/he/she/it; "were" for you/we/they.
Can it show interruption?
Yes, e.g., "I was sleeping when he called."
Why avoid stative verbs?
They’re steady, not ongoing—progressive needs action.
What’s a common error?
Using it for finished actions (e.g., "I was arriving" → "I arrived").
Conclusion
The past progressive tense, with "was/were" and "-ing," freezes past actions in motion—whether unfolding, backing another event, or fleeting. From "I was studying" to "They were being watched," it’s your brush for past scenes. Nail it, and your English will hum with life!