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Past continuous for interrupted actions Exercises in English language
The past continuous tense is a crucial aspect of English grammar that helps convey actions that were in progress at a specific moment in the past. One common usage of the past continuous is to describe actions that were interrupted by another event. For example, "I was reading a book when the phone rang." Here, the action of reading was ongoing until it was disrupted by the ringing phone. This construction provides a clear timeline and helps to add depth and detail to storytelling, making it easier for listeners or readers to understand the sequence of events.
Understanding the past continuous for interrupted actions can greatly enhance your ability to describe past events with greater nuance and clarity. By mastering this aspect of grammar, you will be able to paint vivid pictures of past experiences, making your narratives more engaging and precise. The exercises on this page are designed to help you practice forming and using the past continuous tense in the context of interrupted actions, ensuring you gain confidence and proficiency in this essential grammar skill.
Exercise 1
<p>1. She *was reading* a book when the phone rang (verb for reading).</p>
<p>2. We *were watching* a movie when the power went out (verb for viewing).</p>
<p>3. I *was cooking* dinner when you called (verb for preparing food).</p>
<p>4. He *was playing* football when it started to rain (verb for participating in a sport).</p>
<p>5. They *were studying* for their exam when the alarm went off (verb for learning).</p>
<p>6. You *were driving* to work when you saw the accident (verb for operating a vehicle).</p>
<p>7. She *was painting* the wall when her friend arrived (verb for applying color).</p>
<p>8. The children *were playing* in the park when it got dark (verb for engaging in fun activities).</p>
<p>9. I *was listening* to music when the doorbell rang (verb for hearing).</p>
<p>10. He *was sleeping* when the thunderstorm started (verb for resting).</p>
Exercise 2
<p>1. She *was reading* a book when the phone rang (verb for the action of perusing written material).</p>
<p>2. They *were playing* soccer when it started to rain (verb for participating in a sport).</p>
<p>3. I *was cooking* dinner when the power went out (verb for preparing food).</p>
<p>4. He *was walking* his dog when he met an old friend (verb for moving on foot).</p>
<p>5. We *were watching* a movie when the doorbell rang (verb for viewing a film).</p>
<p>6. You *were studying* for the exam when your friend called (verb for preparing academically).</p>
<p>7. The children *were swimming* in the pool when it thundered (verb for being in water for sport or fun).</p>
<p>8. She *was writing* an email when the computer crashed (verb for composing text electronically).</p>
<p>9. They *were driving* to the beach when they got a flat tire (verb for operating a vehicle).</p>
<p>10. He *was listening* to music when his mother asked for help (verb for hearing attentively).</p>
Exercise 3
<p>1. She *was reading* a book when the phone rang (verb for reading).</p>
<p>2. They *were cooking* dinner when the electricity went out (verb for making food).</p>
<p>3. He *was jogging* in the park when it started to rain (verb for running).</p>
<p>4. We *were watching* a movie when the power went off (verb for viewing).</p>
<p>5. I *was writing* an email when my computer crashed (verb for composing text).</p>
<p>6. The children *were playing* outside when it got dark (verb for engaging in games).</p>
<p>7. She *was painting* a picture when her friend called (verb for creating art).</p>
<p>8. They *were studying* for their exams when the fire alarm went off (verb for learning).</p>
<p>9. He *was fixing* the car when it started to rain (verb for repairing).</p>
<p>10. We *were dancing* at the party when the music stopped (verb for moving rhythmically).</p>
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