Examples of
Past Progressive Tense

The following examples of Past Progressive tense will help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

Before reading through, make sure you are familiar with the usage and rules of this tense – visit the Past Progressive Tense page.

Note: the Past Progressive verbs are italics.

And now, let the examples begin!

Actions that were in progress at a certain point or at a certain time period in the past:

Yesterday evening we were watching the game so we couldn't come.

He was sleeping all night long.

Were you sleeping all night long?

I wasn't resting, I was working!

Last night at nine o'clock John was washing the dishes.

Why was John washing the dishes?

Last week we were painting the house.

This morning at five o'clock Shannon was taking care of her baby.

Where was Shannon taking care of her baby?

I was studying when the phone rang.

They were eating when their friends showed up.

While the cat was sleeping the mice were eating its food.

We were having a very nice picnic when it started to rain.

Annoying repeating actions in the past:

My brother was always snoring.

They were always making fun of him.

You were always complaining.

This girl was constantly losing stuff.

He was always bragging.

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The above examples of Past Progressive Tense are here to help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

You should also get familiar with its usage and rules – visit the Past Progressive Tense page to help you with that.

For exercises visit the Past Progressive Exercises.

Check out the other tenses:

Simple Present

Simple Past

Simple Future

Present Progressive

Past Progressive

Future Progressive

Present Perfect

Past Perfect

Future Perfect

Present Perfect Progressive

Past Perfect Progressive

Future Perfect Progressive

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