Past continuous tense in English
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
This chapter will discuss the past continuous tense in English. This tense is used to describe actions starting in the past and are still continuing in the present.
The past continuous is formed with the past simple of the auxiliary verb 'to be' and the present participle of the verb.
to be + present participle (infinitive + ing)
Past continuous tense examples:
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
How the past continuous tense is formed, depends on whether the sentence is:
Structure: Subject + 'to be' in the past simple form + present participle (verb + suffix 'ing') + rest of the sentence
Subject | Past form of 'to be' |
---|---|
I | was |
You | were |
He / she /it | was |
We | were |
You | were |
They | were |
Structure: Subject + negative form of 'to be' in the past + present participle (verb + suffix 'ing') + rest of the sentence
Subject | Negative past form of 'to be' |
---|---|
I | was not |
You | were not |
He / she / it | was not |
We | were not |
You | were not |
They | were not |
Structure: 'To be' in the past form + subject + present participle (verb + suffix 'ing') + rest of the sentence + question mark
The table below shows when the past continuous is used in English.
Use | Example |
---|---|
To indicate an action that was interrupted by another action |
|
To express a change of opinion |
|
Actions that occurred at a specific time in the past |
|
Two actions that were happening at the same time in the past |
|
The past continuous tense in English often contains the words 'when' or 'while'. Both of these are used when two or more actions are taking place.
'When' is used when talking about situations which happened at the moment another action was in progress.
Past simple tense is used after 'when'.
'While' is used when talking about situations that happen at the same time.
Past continuous tense is used after 'while'.
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is great!He was very kind in every lesson, and patient in explaining things to me that I did not understand. very easy to understand !! I definitely want to continue taking classes with him!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
I believe learning should be fun and interactive!
I would love to help you in any way I can, to improve your knowledge of English.
I love making beginners feel comfortable, and developing conversations or grammar with those who are more experienced in English!
I am very used to teaching children whose second language is English.
I love teaching and watching children come alive with individual attention, and tailoring my teaching style to their personalities. I enjoy being animated with my students!
I am comfortable teaching children and adults.
I am a South African and have a Business degree. I worked in Finance and Marketing for 7 years for Volkswagen South Africa.
I am extroverted and I love people!
I have homeschooled my children from the 2nd grade through to the 7th grade.
I have taught Life Skills to 8 year olds at a Primary School for three years.
Currently, I tutor 1st and 2nd graders at a school where the children are learning in English as a SECOND language.
I believe my personality, teaching experience and work ethic make me a great teacher!
Best Regards
Christine Rafferty
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Cristina it's very funny and smilimg Person! Her english Is clear! Very good lesson with her! Thanks Cristina!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am an English language teacher with a strong academic background and a love of languages. I enjoy helping people to develop their ability to use English in different contexts.
I have the internationally recognised Cambridge CELTA qualification (Pass A) in English language teaching. I am teaching English to those learning for professional reasons or academic study as well as those learning for personal reasons or holidays. I am able to teach all levels from beginner to advanced (CEFR Levels A1-C2). I usually teach adults.
I have studied social sciences to PhD level and have experience of working in universities as a researcher, including giving tutorials. I have also worked as a professional proofreader.
I speak British English and I have an appreciation of other varieties of English, sometimes referred to as ‘Global Englishes’, as well as the use of English as a ‘lingua franca’ or common language.
I have been trained in the ‘communicative approach’ to language teaching. This approach is based on the idea that the best way for us to learn a language is through using it in communication that is meaningful for us. My lessons will help you to learn English through using it in activities and tasks that are connected to your reasons for learning English and your wider interests. The lessons will include vocabulary, grammar and other aspects of language as well as the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, depending on your priorities. I would like to have some background information about you, including why you are learning English, your professional and/or personal interests and your first language. I can then create lessons that meet your individual needs with activities that are personalised for you.
I have also been trained in teaching English online and I am familiar with a range of digital tools that can make the lessons effective and interesting. I am also familiar with several sources of professionally designed study materials that are publicly available for adaptation for different learners. I will give you feedback on your strengths and on how to improve. I can also give guidance on homework and other resources you can access, if this is of interest to you.
I welcome your feedback on each lesson.
I have experience of learning languages myself, including Mandarin and Turkish, which I really enjoy. I hope that you will enjoy my English lessons.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Emily is a native speaker, this is why she is an ideal teacher if you want to learn more than only the English language. She teaches to adults and to all levels A1 until C2. She has lots of different and interactive learning materials. Overall, she is a great teacher, and you will surely learn a lot from her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I am Francesca and have a degree in specialised translation and interpreting cum laude. I have been working in the field of translation and teaching for about three years.
I am a foreign language teacher and a tutor for courses leading to language certifications recognised by the Common European Framework. I also teach Italian to foreigners and am a CELI examiner. My academic training and professional experience have enabled me to develop a successful teaching method tailored to the needs of each learner, ensuring excellent results in a short time in all four language skills (speaking, listening, writing, and reading).
I hope to see you soon at your first free class to start your linguistic and cultural growth.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She's very smart, professional, and pretty. She quickly understood my need as a learner and I had fun talking with her. She creates an atmosphere in class that makes students feel free to speak. Will book again.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everybody,
My name is Barbara.
I used to live in Ireland, in the UK, in Spain and I live in Italy now. I have spent much time in the USA and Scandinavia as well. I have been flying around the world as a flight attendant for approx. 13 years.
I am also a qualified tour guide, a qualified ENGLISH TEACHER (teaching at various schools, flight schools and universities) and an AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER.
I love teaching and I believe it is really important to learn foreign languages, to get to know different nations, cultures in order to have a better idea of the world. English can be a key to open a new world for you and eliminate the barriers you have at the moment.
Oh! and I've almost forgotten to tell you:
I'm an ITALIAN TEACHER too
IN CASE your problem is not the English language, but you have a problem when you need to order a good PIZZA, CAPPUCCINO or some delicious SPAGHETTI during your stay in ITALY or you need to get ready for an internship or you want to learn ITALIAN for any other reason, I can teach you and help you improve your ITALIAN!
Are you still hungry and you want to keep filling your stomach in HUNGARY? I can also give you some HUNGARIAN LESSONS from beginner to advanced level! (of course if you like Goulash- Gulyàs, I can give you the original recipe!)
If you think you need ENGLISH, ITALIAN and/or HUNGARIAN for your goals and dreams, get in touch and we can plan some lessons for you.
TEFL/TESOL qualified English Teacher
168 hours Tefl Org, Scotland, UK
40 hours Tefl Online Teaching, Tefl Org, Scotland, UK
30 hours Tefl Online Teaching, Tefl Institution, Ireland
TEFL/TESOL Online Teaching Practicum, Tefl Org., Scotland, UK
AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER, Mayflower College of English, Plymouth, UK
AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER, Lenguax, London, UK
I can teach you Conversational English, Business English, Prepare you for an exam or teach English to your kids. Or/and we can do all these in ITALIAN and HUNGARIAN too!
Hope to see you soon in class.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I’m very happy with my teacher! Barbara is so kind, helpful and she has a lot of knowledge to share. She is preparing me for some English exams, it is going quicker and better than I expected. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
Barbara B.Thanks so much for the kind words Em! It takes two. You really put your heart and mind to your goal. Very well done. Keep up the good work and you will see the results. See you in class :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Have you always dreamed of becoming an expert in the English language? Now you can!
I am a sworn translator and have more than 15 years of experience. Together with me you will be a near native speaker in no time!
My name is Wendy and I have been working as a sworn translator and reviser in the English and Dutch language for more than 15 years. In addition, I occasionally help students and pupils with their lessons, young and old.
Would you also like to become a language professional? Or do you just want to be able to get by in the English or Dutch language, and especially want to practice speaking? Then you're in the right place with me. I would be happy to help you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Wendy is an enthusiastic new teacher. She is very patient and has a passion for the languages she teaches. She has lots of useful learning materials, and you will certainly feel welcome in her class.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
-Publisher
-Editor-in-chief
-Writer
Hello,
I was born in İstanbul and I lived there. I hold a bachelor degree in cinema and television at İstanbul Şehir University. During my university years, my stories have been published in major Turkish literary magazines. After my graduation I have been specializing in children's book illustration and literature. I founded children's book publishing house in Turkey. The name is Yıldız Tozu Publishing and my books were released. I worked as an editor-in-chief in the company. I was finding books in the world and I was publishing them in Turkish. I am practically and professionally working on Turkish language and literature. Later on, I moved France to continue my education and works about literature and art. Currently, I am learning french.
I have experience in teaching Turkish in years. Furthermore, I speak English very well (TOEFL B2), it is advantage for students who are beginners.
Here my methodology when I teach Turkish:
I will use the grammar books and my presentations, time to time.
For speaking practice: illustrations, daily conversations
For listening practice: Turkish songs, movies, series
For reading practice: news and articles about Turkey (for advance students), stories, picture books (for intermediate students), texts from language books (for beginner and intermediate students.)
If students need to focus specific area like writing etc. I am designing my class according to that.
In addition, it is because I am using broad material about Turkish media, you will be familiar the culture and sociology of Turkey.
I like to do lesson in creative and in an organized way; therefore, I believe you will learn fast and you will enjoy learning Turkish with me!
I hope to see you in my class :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Esra is a very good teacher who uses her self made PowerPoint slides which can be very helpful because of the pictures involved.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
HI ! I'm Costin and I live in United Kingdom. I am a C2 - Certified ESL Teacher and in the last 6 years I have been an Online ESL teacher and I have taught English to more than 12000 online students.
I own a wide experience in online teaching being always ready to adopt and develop most suitable teaching techniques according to the level and needs of each student.
I use professional online materials / lesson plans which include pictures, vocabulary words, reading texts, grammar, free talk and variety of different learning subjects !
I will help you to evaluate together your primary learning interests and establish all details about the best teaching methods we will apply according to your needs and English learning plans.
I am very friendly, patient, energetic, enthusiastic and professional while teaching, ready to correct, explain and answer to all necessary issues during each class.
Teaching English is my passion ! and my focus is to help you to discover your maximum potential of your abilities to learn and use English language with full confidence anywhere in the world !
See you in my class ! :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Costin has a lot of experience in teaching groups. He mainly teaches to adults. He teaches different kinds of English. Furthermore, he specializes in International Business marketing vocabulary. His learning materials are personalized to the students wants and needs.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dear all,
Would you like to learn a new language such as Italian, English or Spanish in a smooth, accessible and fun way? Then, it would be a great idea to embark on an exciting journey together!
My big priority is to make sure that my students will learn a new language and get much more familiar with a new culture as fast as possible by doing dynamic and funny activities which suit everyone’s needs and passions. Song lyrics, texts from your favourite books, literature, parts of movies, news, TV series, traditional recipes may be only some of the instruments that we can use in order to make the learning process more efficient and focused on using the new language in different fields.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature from the University of Verona (Italy) and a Master’s Degree, cum Laude, in Languages and Media from the University ‘Cattolica’ in Milan (Italy) and Chapman University in Orange, California (USA).
If you are a proper beginner, if you already know a few words but you don’t dare to speak to anyone yet, if you are already very confident with the language but you still want to get to a higher level of proficiency, if you want to know better about one of these cultures, than this is a perfect course for you.
A nice introductory chat can help both of us to understand which is the starting level and which is the goal of the course in order to tailor a proper class according to your need.
Join the course and you will be immediately immersed in a new culture and in a heartbeat you will speak a new language!
See you soon!
Maddalena
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She's very smart, professional, and pretty. She quickly understood my need as a learner and I had fun talking with her. She creates an atmosphere in class that makes students feel free to speak. Will book again.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! I am a CELTA-qualified native English teacher offering lessons carefully tailored to your needs. Learn by dynamic conversation exchange, written pieces, songs lyrics, podcasts, and fun and challenging exercises. Try out a trial lesson and let’s work together to bring you closer to your English language goals!
- Intermediate Italian and Spanish speaker -
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Melissa is a great teacher. The lessons are just what I was looking for: conversation, writting, grammar..
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a certified TEFL teacher and have taught ESL for the past three years. I can help you become more confident in speaking the English language which I believe is one of the most important parts of learning a language. If you want to pass exams I can also help you prepare for them and create lessons focused on listening, writing, oral and reading. I love traveling and if you are interested we can talk about the difference in cultures or any known sites in that country. We can speak about any categories you choose from politics to nature, I can build a class on that. I will help you in any way you can from beginners to advance I want to help you learn English!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I liked the conversion we had - teacher changed topic few time topic in the right direction and it help very much for speaking.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Lee Moffat. I am a fully qualified English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland. I have over eighteen years teaching experience with levels ranging from complete beginners to proficiency level advanced (A1 and lower - C2 and higher). I offer either one to one online tuition or group tuition in the following areas:
Conversation skills
Pronunciation skills
IELTS preparation and TOEFL preparation
Proficiency
Grammar
Fluency
Reading
Writing/study/professional
Business English
General English
These are the main areas i have taught in however if you need more specific skills we can discuss your needs in our free first class! Asides from teaching I work as an artist, writer and supporting actor on various film and television shows. My students describe me as helpful, informative, knowledgeable and fun to learn from. My approach to teaching is to be as helpful and informative as possible taking into account each students individual needs. If you would like more information please contact me and we can arrange a suitable date and time to have a free half hour trial class were we can discuss things further.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ian is a very good teacher; he is good at describing the whole meaning of a phrase or a paragraph. He is always positive and friendly
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
I'm Emma, I'm originally from London but have lived in many countries around the world, and currently live in Italy. I have learnt foreign languages myself, so I can empathise with your every concern about learning a new language!
I speak english with a very clear British accent, and I have much experience with all levels of english learners, from beginners to advanced, from young children to retired adults, online and in person.
Just let me know your needs and language goals, and I will help you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Emma is a very good teacher, she is helpful and patient. She helped me to prepare for B2 English exam. She improved my pronunciation and my vocabulary and she understood what I needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone! My name is Morena a passionate traveller and a languages enthusiast!
My mother tongue is Italian, and I was born and raised in the beautiful region of Marche in central Italy. I lived abroad for 15 years, and spent 12 of them in the wonderful London.
I am a certified Celta teacher at Strafford House School in London and I have recently obtained the Ditals certification from the University of Siena for teaching Italian as a foreign language.
What are my lessons like? I normally teach students of all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced). I love to use everyday situations to teach common expressions useful for communication as well as vocabulary and grammar. I adapt different teaching methods and approaches according to my students' learning needs, interests and background. I can help you with exam preparation (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, and all Cambridge or IELTS exams), also I can create business or technical language lessons if you have this need.
I provide tailor-made lessons because I believe that every student is different and needs a special and fun method to learn a language with a purpose. If you would like help please contact me with your questions or goal, then we can discuss the best strategy and flexible plan to become fluent in Italian or English! Speak soon. Ciao, a presto!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Morena generally teaches to adults, but she also has experience with teaching children. She has different learning materials and personalizes her classes to her students wants and needs. She is very patient. Furthermore, she teaches English and Italian to all levels (A1 to C2)
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone,
I have a master degree in teaching with 10 years of experience. My lessons cover a wide range of topics from science to literature. I create the learning plan according to the learner's needs. If you are looking for both enjoyable and helpful experience in English and Turkish languages for all levels, schedule a meeting with me!
See you..
Merhaba,
10 yıllık öğretmenlik deneyimiyle birlikte, eğitim alanında yüksek lisans mezunuyum. Derslerim bilimden edebiyata kadar geniş yelpazede bir çok konuyu kapsamaktadır. Öğretim planını her öğrencinin ihtiyacına göre, bireysel olarak hazırlamaktayım. Türkçe ve İngilizce dillerinde keyifli ve öğretici bir deneyim yaşamak isteyen herkes derslerime davetlidir.
Görüşmek üzere..
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I took one hour class from Nora B. Teacher and I could say that it was professional and well organized. Teacher ask you first what your purpose is. Then she organizes the schedule. Also she sends lesson materials via email. I deeply recommend her.
Cagla B.Dear Selo, Thank you. I wish you the best of luck and success on your preparation of lELTS exam.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials