Form of the Past Progressive

How do we form the Past Progressive?

We use a form of to be (was or were), the infinitive and the ending -ing.

to be (was or were) + infinitive + -ing

1. Affirmative sentences in the Past Progressive

  • I was playing with a ball.
  • You were playing with a ball.
  • He was playing with a ball.
  • She was playing with a ball.
  • It was playing with a ball.
  • We were playing with a ball.
  • You were playing with a ball.
  • They were playing with a ball.

► Use was with I, he, she, it – and were with all other pronouns.

2. Negative sentences in the Past Progressive

  • I was not playing with a ball.
  • You were not playing with a ball.
  • He was not playing with a ball.
  • She was not playing with a ball.
  • It was not playing with a ball.
  • We were not playing with a ball.
  • You were not playing with a ball.
  • They were not playing with a ball.

Short/contracted forms in the Past Progressive