Grammar Bank

Rules & form

• ›was / were + verb-ing.
• ›Used for background, atmosphere and interrupted actions.
• ›Also for annoying repeated past habits: He was always losing his keys.
• ›Question: What were you doing at six?

Examples

• “At nine this morning I was still reviewing the numbers.”
• “They weren't listening when I explained the risk.”
• “What were you doing when the alarm went off?”