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PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
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level: Beginner (A1/A2)
Each sentence below is written in the simple past. Your task is to rewrite the verb in the past continuous form (was/were + verb-ing). This exercise focuses on forming the tense correctly — paying attention to was vs were and the correct -ing spelling. The grammar review below covers the key formation rules.
GRAMMAR REVIEW! The past continuous — forming it correctly
In this exercise you’re converting simple past sentences into the past continuous. The key is knowing exactly how to form it and which auxiliary (was or were) to use.
Formation rules:
• Use was with singular subjects: I, he, she, it
• Use were with plural subjects and you: you, we, they
Spelling changes when adding -ing:
• Verbs ending in a silent -e: drop the e before adding -ing: take → taking, write → writing
• Short verbs ending in consonant-vowel-consonant: double the final consonant: run → running, sit → sitting, get → getting
• Verbs ending in -ie: change to -y + -ing: lie → lying, die → dying
Common mistakes:
✗ He were playing ✓ He was playing (singular subject needs was)
✗ They was singing ✓ They were singing (plural needs were)
✗ She was takeing ✓ She was taking (drop the e)
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
DID YOU KNOW?
Although in IELTS grammar is not tested as a separate subject, it still directly affects your score, especially in:
Writing (25% of the score)
The examiner checks:
• Range of grammatical structures
• Accuracy (few errors, and errors don't reduce clarity)
To get:
• Band 6 → mostly correct simple sentences, some complex ones
• Band 7 → frequent complex sentences with good control
Speaking (25% of the score)
You're scored on:
• How naturally you use grammar
• Whether errors cause misunderstanding
Fluent speech withrepeated grammar mistakes = lower band.
