Use of Past Continuous Tense
Past Continuous Tense is used to express the following types of actions that would be progressive during the past time.
Past Continuous Tense is Used to Express the Past-time Continuous Actions
Past Continuous Tense is widely used to express the actions that would be started in the past period and would be going on during the past period. For example:
- The naughty boys were teasing the beggar.
- She was washing her clothes.
- As I was returning from the office I met an accident.
- The oppressed were revolting against their overlords.
- A new morning was dawning after the black night of persecution.
Past Continuous Tense is Used to Express Conditional Situations
Past Continuous Tense is used to express conditional situations. It means that Past Continuous Tense can be used to express conditions, that would have some impact on the future. For example:
- If these students were working harder, they would soon make up for their deficiency.
- If you were staying longer you would visit all the historical places.
- If you were not taking your breakfast on time, you would get sick.
- If we were participating in this drama, we would make us stable, financially.
- If you were bearing pains, you would get a reward in the future.
Past Continuous Tense is Used To express Suppositions
Past Continuous Tense can be used to express the desires and suppositions of the past time. For example:
- We wish we were going to London again this year.
- They wish they were enough rich to help others.
- She wishes she were a princess.
- He wishes he was a good son to his parents.