Past Progressive

When do we use it?

• To describe what was happening at a specific moment in time.

• Lets the listener know what time we are talking about

• Used to “set the scene”

How is it formed?

• Subject + were or was + “ing” verb – I, they, you : Were– He, she, it: Was

Example..

• " James Bond was driving through town. It was raining. The wind was blowing hard. Nobody was walking in the streets. Suddenly, Bond saw the killer in a telephone box..."

Simple past & Past Progressive

• Usually used together!– Simple past expresses short actions – Past Progressive expresses long actions

• I was watching TV when you phoned.

When/While

• To join Past Progressive and simple past when and while are usually used. – When: connects with simple past – While: connects with past progressive

I was watching TV when you phoned. When you phoned I was watching TV While I was watching TV You phoned

you phoned While I was watching TV

For the following pictures..

• Write a sentence with your partner that uses both simple past and past progressive. Correctly incorporate when/while.