Past Perfect Continuous

Question 1

tense

action in progress before another action in the past

Answer 1

past perfect continuous

she had been studying for hours before she finally took a break.

Question 2

tense

duration of an action before another action in the past

mainly focus on the duration

Answer 2

past perfect continuous

they had been living in Tokyo for 5 years before they moved to Kyoto

Question 3

tense

cause and effect in the past

with more focus on duration of actions

Answer 3

past perfect continuous

he was tired because he had been working all night

Question 4

tense

repeated annoying actions or unusual habits happening before a past point

Answer 4

past perfect continuous

he had been calling her every day until she answered