English grammar
We were doing — 'we' in the past continuous
Say what you were doing when someone interrupted.
From the scene We were waiting
In short
With we, you and they, the past continuous is were + -ing. The event that interrupts it is in the past simple.
Your turn
Which one goes with an activity going on?
Options: we were waiting (NOT "we was") · we were waiting… and you turned up · we were keeping watch
Show answer
an activity going on → we were keeping watch
How it works
For we (and you / they) the past continuous uses were + -ing: we were waiting, we were keeping watch.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And we (blank) eating churros. Do you want one?
Options: were · was · is
Show answer
And we were eating churros. Do you want one?
Y estábamos comiendo churros. ¿Quieres uno?
Good to know
The event that interrupts it stays in the simple past: we were waiting for the thief and you turned up.
Good to know
Traps: NOT 'we was waiting', and NOT 'when we waited, you arrived' for the background action.
we: were + -ing we were waiting (NOT "we was")
Nuria
Javi? We were waiting for the thief and you turned up!
¿Javi? ¡Estábamos esperando al ladrón y llegaste tú!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Javi? (blank) for the thief and you turned up!
Options: We were waiting and you turned up · We were waiting · We were keeping watch
Show answer
Nuria
Javi? We were waiting for the thief and you turned up!
¿Javi? ¡Estábamos esperando al ladrón y llegaste tú!
an activity going on we were keeping watch
Elena
Yes. We were keeping watch from midnight.
Sí. Estábamos vigilando desde las doce.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes. (blank) from midnight.
Options: We were keeping watch · We were waiting · We were waiting and you turned up
Show answer
Elena
Yes. We were keeping watch from midnight.
Sí. Estábamos vigilando desde las doce.
background + interrupting event we were waiting… and you turned up
question: were + you what were you doing?
Elena
And you? What were you doing out so late?
Y tú, ¿qué estabas haciendo fuera tan tarde?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And you? (blank) out so late?
Options: We were waiting · We were keeping watch · What were you doing
Show answer
Elena
And you? What were you doing out so late?
Y tú, ¿qué estabas haciendo fuera tan tarde?
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| we: were + -ing | we were waiting (NOT "we was") |
|---|---|
| an activity going on | we were keeping watch |
| background + interrupting event | we were waiting… and you turned up |
| question: were + you | what were you doing? |
More lines from the story
- NuriaAnd we were eating churros. Do you want one?Y estábamos comiendo churros. ¿Quieres uno?
- JaviI was working at the bakery.Estaba trabajando en la panadería.
- ElenaHow suspicious! You're back on my list.¡Qué sospechoso! Vuelves a mi lista.