一、 过去进行时的构成was were＋现在分词was用于单数第一人称和单数第三人称，were用于其余人称和数。１． 过去进行时的陈述句 was＋现在分词We You They were＋现在分词２． 过去进行时的一般疑问句，是将陈述句中的was were提到主语前，例如：The students were having an English class yesterday morning． →Were the students having an English class yesterday morning？Tom was doing his homework at seven last night．　→Was Tom doing his homework at seven last night？３． 过去进行时的否定句，是在陈述句中was were后面加not.例如：The students were not having an English class yesterday morning．Tom was not doing his homework at seven last night．二、 过去进行时的用法１． 过去进行时表示在过去某一时刻或某一段时间内正在进行或者持续进行的动作。This time yesterday Mike was writing a letter．My mother was doing some shopping yesterday afternoon．２． 过去进行时和when while引导的状语从句连用，表示一个动作正在进行（或者继续进行）的时候，另一件事情发生了。例如：The teacher was giving us a lesson when Tom came into the classroom． While we were having supper all the lights went out． ３． when 和 while 引导的状语从句都可表示正在进行的动作，但while更强调动作持续一段时间。用while 连接的状语从句还可表示一个动作正在进行的同时，另一个动作也在进行之中。例如：While my father was reading I was doing my homework．While Dad was washing his car Mum was cooking．

过去进行时由 was，were + 动词的现在分词构成，其用法与现在进行时基本相同，只是时间由现在推移到过去。What you doing at this time yesterday evening?昨晚这个时候你在做什么？When George arrived home, his wife （clean） the room.当乔治回家的时候，他的妻子正在打扫屋子。They waiting for your answer yesterday.他们昨天一直在等您的回话。He said he saving money for （买）a car himself.他说他在攒钱为自己辆车。表示过去并行的动作，即发生在过去时间内的两个或两个以上的动作同时进行。While I was （knit）, my husband was the newspaper.我在打毛衣，我的丈夫在读报纸。It was morning. The sun was （升起） and birds were singing （在）the trees.清晨。太阳冉冉东升，鸟儿门树林里歌唱。3） 表示过去不断重复的动作，含有不耐烦，谴责，赞扬等情绪。例1 When Mary worked here as a typist, she was always making mistakes.玛丽在这儿当打字员时经常出错。He forever （turn） a deaf ear to his wife's advice.他过去对妻子的建议总是充耳不闻。My grandfather always （help） others before he died.我爷爷去逝以前总是帮助别人。4） 表达委婉口气.这一用法多见于hope，wonder，expect等动词（一般现在进行时也可表达婉转口气但语气较过去进行时稍硬一些）。I was （wonder） if you could help me carry this heavy case.请问你可否帮我提这个重箱子。I was （hope） you could give me some good suggestion.我希望你能给我们提宝贵意见。We （expect） you to telephone us.我们期望你给我们打电话。I (have) breakfast when he called me to go to work.

练习：用所给动词的适当形式填空：１．John_______work all day yesterday.２．He _______walk home when the rian_______begin.３． —What______you _______do at ten o'clock yesterday？—I_______studay in class．４．When Harry _______have breakfast Lily _______telephone him． ５．When I ________ go to school this morning I ______ see a car running into a bus．