to describe ongoing actions in the past (Pretérito Imperfeito Contínuo)

Question 1

1️⃣ Ongoing past action (interrupted)

I was studying when you called me.

📌 Explanation:

The first action (was studying/sleeping) was happening but got interrupted by another event.

Answer 1

Eu estava estudando quando você me ligou.

Question 2

1️⃣ Ongoing past action (interrupted)

They were sleeping when it started to rain.

Answer 2

Eles estavam dormindo quando começou a chover.

Question 3

2️⃣ Habitual or repeated past action

When I was a child, I was always playing in the street.

Answer 3

Quando eu era criança, eu estava sempre brincando na rua.

Question 4

2️⃣ Habitual or repeated past action

He was always complaining about work.

📌 Explanation:

Instead of just saying “Ele sempre reclamava” (he always complained), using “estava reclamando” gives the idea of an ongoing habit or something that happened frequently.

Answer 4

Ele estava sempre reclamando do trabalho.

Question 5

3️⃣ Background description (setting the scene in a story)

The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.

Answer 5

O sol estava brilhando e os pássaros estavam cantando.

Question 6

3️⃣ Background description (setting the scene in a story)

We were talking when he entered the room.

📌 Explanation:

This is common when describing the background of a story.

Answer 6

Nós estávamos conversando quando ele entrou na sala.