Past Continuous

(+) I was calling my mother.

(-) We were studying.

(?) Was everybody doing the womework?

1. for something which happened before and after another action:

I was cooking when a bird flew into the kitchen

2. for something that happened before and after a specific time:

It was 8:00, I was writing a letter.

3. to show that something continued for some time:

Everyone was having a good time.

4. for something that happened continuously:

They were always telling secrets.

5. to show that 2 actions were happening at the same time:

I was cooking while my sister was watching T.V.

I was reading when the phone rang.

The class was going great when the principal walked in.

My dog was eating when the cat walked by.

action in progress-----------action in past

Randy was learning Spanish while he was learning Italian.

My son was screaming while I was trying to work.

Kelly was listening to music while her brother was watching T.V.

action in progress---------------------action in progress