Past Continuous Tense [Exercises]

By Syahruzzaky

Look at the pictures. Where were these people at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon? And what were they doing? Write two sentences for each picture. 

1. Rachel was at home. She was watching TV. 
2. Jack and Kate ………………. . They …………………
3. Tim …………………………………………………………..
4. …………………………………………………………………
5. …………………………………………………………………
6. And you? I ………………………………………………..

Complete the questions. Use was/were -ing. Use what/where/why if necessary. 

1. (you/live) Where were you living in 1999? In London. 
2. (you/do) …………………………. at 2 o’clock? I was asleep. 
3. (it/rain) …………….when you got up? No, it was sunny. 
4. (Sue/drive) ………………. so fast? Because she was late. 
5. (Tim/wear) ………… a suit yesterday? No, T-shirts and jeans. 

Look at the picture. You saw Joe in the street yesterday afternoon. What was he doing? Write positive or negative sentences. 

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1. (wear / a jacket) He wasn’t wearing a jacket. 
2. (carry / a bag) ……………………………………….
3. (go / to the dentist) …………………………………..
4. (eat / an ice-cream) ………………………………….
5. (carry / an umbrella) ………………………………
6. (go / home) ………………………………………….
7. (wear / a hat) ………………………………………
8. (ride / a bicycle) ……………………………………..

Put the verb into the past continuous or past simple. 

1. A: What were you doing (you/do) when the phone rang (ring)? 
   B: I was watching (watch) television. 

2. A: Was Jane busy when you went to see her? 
   B: Yes, she ……………………………. (study). 

3. A: What time …………………………. (the post / arrive) this morning? 
   B: It ……………….. (come) while I ……………………….. (have) breakfast. 

4. A: Was Tracey at work today? 
   B: No, she ………………. (not/go) to work. She was ill. 

5. A: How fast …………………… (you/drive) when the police ……………… (stop) you? 
   B: I’m not sure, but I ……………………….. (not/drive) very fast. 

6. A: …………………………… (your team / win) the football match yesterday? 
   B: The weather was very bad, so we ………………. (not/play).