Welcome to learning about the Past Continuous tense! This tense helps us describe actions that were happening at a specific time in the past. The structure is simple: we use 'was' or 'were' plus a verb ending in 'ing'. For example, 'I was reading a book at 8 PM yesterday' shows an action that was in progress at that specific time.
Now let's learn when to use the Past Continuous tense. We use it in three main situations. First, when an action was in progress at a specific time in the past, like 'I was studying at 8 PM'. Second, when two actions were happening at the same time. And third, when one action was interrupted by another action.
Let's learn how to form the Past Continuous tense. The formula is simple: Subject plus was or were plus verb with ing ending. Remember to use 'was' with singular subjects like I, he, she, and it. Use 'were' with plural subjects and 'you', like you, we, and they. For example, 'She was reading' or 'They were playing'.
Now let's look at different types of Past Continuous sentences with examples. For positive sentences, we simply use the basic structure like 'I was cooking dinner' or 'They were watching TV'. For negative sentences, we add 'not' after was or were, like 'She was not sleeping'. For questions, we move was or were to the beginning, like 'Was he studying?' or 'Were you listening?'
Great job! Now it's time to practice what you've learned about the Past Continuous tense. Remember the key points: use was or were plus verb with ing ending to show ongoing actions in the past. Use 'was' with I, he, she, and it. Use 'were' with you, we, and they. Try making your own sentences with Past Continuous. You can do it!