Grammar

100 Sentences of Past Continuous Tense

4 min read · Updated Aug 2026

The past continuous tense is used for actions that were happening at a certain time in the past. It is formed with was or were and the ing form of the verb. Here are 100 sentences to help you practise. You can also read the grammar lessons on other topics to learn more rules.

Structure of Past Continuous Tense

The past continuous tense shows an action that was going on at a particular time in the past. We make it with the helping verbs was or were and the ing form of the main verb. Use was with I, he, she, and it. Use were with you, we, and they. For example: I was reading a book, and They were playing football. We use this tense for actions that were happening when another action took place, like: I was sleeping when the phone rang. The negative form uses was not or were not, and questions begin with was or were.

Past Continuous Tense Examples: 100 Sentences

I was reading a book in the evening.
She was cooking dinner when I came home.
He was watching television last night.
They were playing cricket in the park.
We were studying for the exam together.
The children were making a noise in class.
My mother was washing the clothes.
My father was driving the car fast.
The birds were flying in the sky.
The dog was sleeping under the table.
I was writing a letter to my friend.
She was singing a beautiful song.
He was fixing his bicycle yesterday.
They were talking about their holiday.
We were walking on the road.
The teacher was explaining the lesson.
The boys were swimming in the river.
It was raining heavily last night.
The sun was shining brightly in the morning.
I was having my breakfast at seven.
She was doing her homework.
He was playing with his little sister.
They were waiting for the bus.
We were watching a movie at home.
The baby was crying in the room.
My friends were planning a trip.
The cows were grazing in the field.
I was feeling very tired.
She was wearing a red dress.
He was talking on the phone.
They were building a new house.
We were eating dinner at eight.
The students were listening to the teacher.
I was learning to ride a bicycle.
She was painting a picture.
He was running in the race.
They were dancing at the party.
We were flying a kite in the field.
The shopkeeper was closing his shop.
I was drinking a glass of water.
She was talking to her mother.
He was sleeping when I arrived.
They were working in the garden.
We were laughing at the funny story.
The cat was chasing a rat.
I was searching for my keys.
She was writing in her diary.
He was waiting at the station.
They were watching the cricket match.
We were sitting in the shade of a tree.
The doctor was checking the patient.
I was thinking about my future.
She was helping her father in the kitchen.
He was carrying a heavy bag.
They were climbing the hill.
We were singing our national anthem.
The children were flying kites on the roof.
I was feeling very happy that day.
She was learning to cook.
He was repairing his computer.
They were searching for their lost dog.
We were playing hide and seek.
The farmers were cutting the crops.
I was doing my science project.
She was arranging the flowers.
He was telling me an interesting story.
They were selling fruits in the market.
We were taking a walk by the river.
The students were drawing pictures.
I was buying some vegetables.
She was folding her clothes.
He was making a wooden table.
They were cheering for their team.
We were counting the stars in the sky.
The birds were making their nests.
I was cleaning my room.
She was watering the plants.
He was kicking the ball hard.
They were reading English books.
We were enjoying the cool breeze.
The cook was preparing the food.
I was waiting for my friend.
She was making tea for everyone.
He was wearing his new shoes.
They were jumping with joy.
We were collecting colourful stones.
The mechanic was repairing the car.
I was watching the stars.
She was speaking to the class.
He was practising his violin.
They were playing in the rain.
We were sitting near the fire.
The leaves were falling from the trees.
I was looking out of the window.
She was buying a new dress.
He was painting the wall.
They were discussing their homework.
We were listening to the radio.
The baby was sleeping in the cradle.
I was getting ready for school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the past continuous tense?

The past continuous tense shows actions that were happening at a particular time in the past.

How do we form the past continuous tense?

We use was or were with the ing form of the verb, for example, I was reading.

When do we use was and were?

We use was with I, he, she, and it, and were with you, we, and they.

What is an example of past continuous tense?

An example is: I was sleeping when the phone rang.