Level: Intermediate-Advanced
The past continuous is formed by combining the past tense of the be-verb and the –ing form of a verb.
was/were + -ing (was/were doing)
This tense is used when speaking about something that happened before and after another past action.
The students were revising for their test when the teacher entered the room.
COMPARE: The student revised when (= after) the teacher entered the room.
It is also very typical to use it at the beginning of a story.
Two days ago, he was fixing the roof when …
Last month, as she was starting to learn Chinese, …
It can also be used for something that happened before and after a definite time.
It was 10 o’clock. I was reading a book.
COMPARE: At 10 o’clock, I read (= started reading) a book.
Another use of this tense is to express that something continued to happen for a period of time.
My back was aching.
The team was losing.
It is also used for talking about something that happened repeatedly.
I was practicing my speech every day, three times a day.
The members were organizing a protest against their leader.
Dan and Selena were always bickering.
It can also be used with verbs to express change or growth.
The company was growing sluggishly.
Her French was improving.
His hair was turning grey.
The climate was changing adversely.
The past continuous is NEVER used with stative verbs. The past simple is used instead.
CORRECT: When they decided to get a divorce, they really needed a lawyer.
WRONG: When they decided to get a divorce, they really was needing a lawyer.