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Past Continuous
Grammar Structure:
Here are some reminders about how to make the simple past and past continuous:
Regular verbs Irregular verbs Look at the following list of past tense verbs which verbs are regular, and which
are irregular?
The verb TO BE
Remember the forms of the verb TO BE for the simple past tense:
WAS WERE
1) Sara worked yesterday. Sara didnt work yesterday. 2) They had an argument. They didnt have an argument. 3) Sam took classes last year. Sam didnt take classes last year. 4) I learned how to sew. I didnt learn how to sew.
VERB TO BE (Negative)
For this verb ONLY, never use didnt. Simply ADD the word NOT after the verb. I was tired. I was NOT tired. She was here. She was NOT here. They are happy. They are NOT happy.
Interrogative form
SIMPLE PAST (YES/NO QUESTIONS)
Did
Subject
Verb
Complement
SHORT ANSWERS
SHORT ANSWERS
Yes, it was
No, they werent
SIMPLE PAST (WH-QUESTIONS)
These verbs are called STATIVE (or non-action) verbs. Here are some examples: want like love hate know need see hear believe understand have (possession) forget remember belong
Examples:
I liked Rome. NOT: I was liking Rome.
She had a headache. NOT: She was having a headache. I knew the answer. NOT: I was knowing the answer.
We can use 2 verbs in past continuous to say that two actions were happening simultaneously in the past:
Ex. Jim was at the park. He was sitting on the grass and reading.
And . . .
Remember to ask your teacher or another classmate if you need help. Your teacher can give you more explanation, examples, and exercises if you need them.