Past Continuous Tense

Past continuous tense shows that some action remained continued in the past. The first form of the verb is used with the addition of ing is used. ( 1^st form + ing). “was, were” are the helping verbs of this tense. “was” is used with the singulars. “were” is used with plural. Like we, you, they, and other plural nouns.

Affirmative sentences

Firstly 1^st form of the verb is used in addition to ( ing). Or we can say that the fourth form of the verb is used. 1^st form of verb + ing also known as the fourth form of a verb.

Secondly “was, were” are used according to the subject.

Formation of Past Continous Tense

Sub + helping verb ( was, were) + 1^st form of verb + ing + object.

Examples:

Ahmed was taking a bath.
Girls were clapping and dancing.
Boys were making noise.
Neha was riding a horse.
Many of the students were participating in sports.
You were waiting for me.
Sun was shining.
He was running.
The cat was eating meat.
They were buying a new house.

Negative sentences

When we have to make negative sentences of past continuous tense, we use not after helping verb.

Formation :

Sub + helping verb ( was, were) + Not + 1^st form of verb + ing + object.

Examples:

Ahmed was not taking a bath.
We were not singing a song.
Girls were not clapping and dancing.
The boys were not making noise.
Neha was not riding a horse.
Many of the students were not participating in sports.
You were not waiting for me.
Sun was not shining.
He was not running.
The cat was not eating meat.
They were not buying a new house.

Interrogative sentences

In the case of interrogative sentences, the helping verb (was, were) is placed at the start of the sentence. And a question mark is added at the end.

Formation :

Helping verb ( was, were ) + Subject + 1^st form of verb + ing + object + ?

Examples:

Was she arguing with the teacher?
Was it raining?
Were you singing a song?
Was I walking on the bridge?
Were they sewing the clothes?
Was she weeping?
Were they knocking at the door?
Were we taking tea?