Past Continues

Question 1

Forming the Past Continuous

Answer 1

The Past Continuous is formed with the past tense of “to be” (was/were) + the base verb + -ing.
I was reading a book.
Stavo leggendo un libro.

Question 2

Using the Past Continuous for Actions in Progress

Answer 2

Use the Past Continuous to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past.
At 8 PM, she was cooking dinner.
Alle 20, stava cucinando la cena.

Question 3

Past Continuous with Interrupted Actions

Answer 3

Use the Past Continuous to describe an action that was happening when another action interrupted it.
They were watching TV when the phone rang.
Stavano guardando la TV quando il telefono ha squillato.

Question 4

Past Continuous for Simultaneous Actions

Answer 4

Use the Past Continuous to describe two or more actions happening at the same time in the past.
She was reading while he was cooking.
Lei stava leggendo mentre lui stava cucinando

Question 5

Past Continuous for Background Information

Answer 5

Use the Past Continuous to provide background information in a story.
The sun was setting, and the birds were singing.
Il sole stava tramontando e gli uccelli stavano cantando.

Question 6

Past Continuous in Questions

Answer 6

Form questions in the Past Continuous by inverting the subject and the past tense of “to be.”
Were you sleeping when I called?
Stavi dormendo quando ho chiamato?

Question 7

Past Continuous in Negative Sentences

Answer 7

Form negative sentences in the Past Continuous by adding “not” after the past tense of “to be.”
She wasn’t listening to the teacher.
Non stava ascoltando l’insegnante.

Question 8

Time Expressions with Past Continuous

Answer 8

Common time expressions used with the Past Continuous include “while,” “when,” “at that moment,” “all day,” and “all night.”
I was studying all night.
Stavo studiando tutta la notte.

Question 9

Past Continuous for Temporary Situations

Answer 9

Use the Past Continuous to describe temporary actions or situations in the past.
He was living in New York for a few months.
Stava vivendo a New York per qualche mese.

Question 10

Pasta Continuous Contrast with Simple Past

Answer 10

Use the Past Continuous for ongoing actions and the Simple Past for completed actions that interrupt the ongoing action.
I was walking to work when I saw an accident.
Stavo camminando verso il lavoro quando ho visto un incidente.

Question 11

Past continuous cannot normally be used with stative verbs

Answer 11

My grandparents rarely disagreed with each others. NOT My grandparents were rarely disagreeing with each others