Past Continuous Tense

Think of a photo from the past. The past continuous describes what's happening in the photo. Something was already going on, and maybe something else happened in the middle of it.

How to make it

When do we use it?

1. Interrupted: a long action, then a short one

The long action uses the past continuous. The short one that cuts in uses the simple past.

Interrupted

සිංහලෙන්

• I was having breakfast when the phone rang.
• We were watching TV when the power went off.
• She was cooking curry when her friend arrived.
• We were waiting for the bus when the accident happened.

2. Two things going on at the same time

At the same time

සිංහලෙන්

• While I was studying, my brother was watching TV.
• The kids were playing outside while their parents were talking inside.

3. At a time in the past

At that time

සිංහලෙන්

• What were you doing at 8 o'clock last night?
• In 2020, I was working in Colombo.

4. Setting the scene in a story

The scene

සිංහලෙන්

• The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the tea kade uncle was getting his shop ready.

5. Being polite

I was wondering… is a soft, polite way to ask for something. It's great for emails to your boss. 😉

Polite requests

සිංහලෙන්

• I was wondering if you could help me.
• I was wondering if I could take tomorrow off.

when or while?

• when + the short action: …when the phone rang.
• while + the long action: While I was cooking, …

Quick check

Tap an answer. Nothing is saved.

1. I when you called.

   was sleepingslept

2. They playing carrom all evening.

   waswere

3. I was washing the dishes when I a plate.

   brokewas breaking

4. we were driving to Kandy, it started to rain.

   WhenWhile

5. She a new phone for her birthday.

   wantedwas wanting