Lesson 3
Past Continuous
The past continuous is made from the past tense of the verb “be” and the “ing” form of a verb, the past continuous is used:
1. For something which happened before and after another action:
The boys were doing their homework when I got home.
2. For something that happened before and after a specific time:
It was nine o’ clock when I was writing the letter
3. To show that something continued for some time:
Everyone was shouting
My head was hurting
4. For something that happened again and again:
I was practicing every other day
They were meeting secretly after work
With verbs which show change or growth:
The children were growing up quickly.
Her English was improving.
The town was changing quickly.
Past continuous vs past simple
Past continuous
the past continuous describes actions that were in progress in the past.
We were going to apply for jobs everyday
I was running out of money.
While I was working as a waitress
Past simple
The past simple describes actions that happened in a specific moment in the past
But we never got hired
When I got job as a physical trainer
A customer offered me a job as model
Conversation
Person 1: How did you get into modeling Rachel?
Person 2: Well, I got my drama degree, I moved to Los Angeles to look for a job as an actress. I was going to auditons every da, but I never got any parts. And I was almost running out of money.
Person 1: So, what did you do?
Person 2: I got a job as a waitress in a fastfood restaurant. While I was working there, a customer offered me a job as a model. Within few months I was modeling full time.
Person 1: What a lucky break!
Conversation
Person 1: So, Bobby what did you do after you graduated?
Person 2: Well, I majored in literature in college…
Person 1: Aha.
Person 2: …So After I graduated I tried to make a living as a novel writer
Person 1: Oh. Really?
Person 2: Yeah. I’ve written a novel and sent it to 10 different publishers, but they all… got rejected. Say, would you like to read It, Rachel? I have a copy right here with me.
Person 1: Well, I’d love to read it, Bobby, but not right now. So do You have a job or anything?
Person 2: Of course. I’m in sales.
Person 1: Oh, where?
Person 2: Actually, I’m a sales cleark in a computer store. But when My book sells, I know I’ll be a best selling writer and I’ll make a lot Of money.
Present perfect continuous
The present perfect progressive expresses an action that recently stopped or is still going on.
1. The present perfect continuous is formed using has/have + been + present participle:
I have been working hard.
She has been studying for the test.
2. We use the present perfect continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now:
They have been saving money since last year.
We have been waiting for 2 hours.
3. We can use “how long” to structure questions as well:
How long have you been studying French?
How long has he been playing videogames?
Present perfect continuous
Present perfect continuous
How long have you been learning Chinese?
I have been learning Chinese for 2 years.
Present perfect
How long has it been since you learned Chinese?
I has been 2 years since I learned Chinese
Conversation
Person 1: Hey Josh, I haven’t seen you in a while. What have you been doing lately?
Person 2: Nothing interesting really, I’ve been working two jobs for the last 3 months.
Person 1: How come?
Person 2: I’m saving up money for a trip to Japan.
Person 1: Well, I’ve been spending too much money, I quit my job to go colleges. I’m studying Journalism.
Person 2: Really? How long have been doing that?
Person 1: For three years. Luckily I finish next year. I’m running out of money.
Conversation
Person 1: Hey rachel, how is it going?
Person 2: Pretty good, thanks.
Person 1: I haven seen you in ages. What have you been up to?
Person 1: Well, I’ve been looking for an apartment to buy. I finally Found one last week. I’m moving tomorrow.
Person 2: Wow, that’s terrific!
Person 1: Yeah. I got tired of dealing with landlords. So, what haveYou been doing lately?
Person 2: Well, I’ve just come back from a vacation in France.
Person 1: France? Whereabouts in France?
Person 2: Mostly in Paris. I have a cousin there.
Person 1: I see, Did you have a good time?
Person 2: Yeah. It was great! In fact, I got engaged to a guy there.
Person 1: You must be kidding!