|
Definition of Past progressive tense
1. Noun. A progressive tense used to describe on-going action in the past. "`I had been running' is an example of the past progressive"
Generic synonyms: Continuous Tense, Imperfect, Imperfect Tense, Progressive, Progressive Tense
Lexicographical Neighbors of Past Progressive Tense
Literary usage of Past progressive tense
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. English for Italians: (Lezioni D'inglese Per Gl'Italiani) by Edith Waller (1911)
"... etc. era, fui past progressive tense, verb to have — I was having, etc.
avevo knock stay understanding picchiare rimanere intendimento seek put on as ..."
2. Grammar and Dictionary of the Buluba-Lulua Language as Spoken in the Upper by William McCutchan Morrison (1906)
"The Past Progressive tense denotes an action as having been going on in past
time, as progressive, but is now completed and was completed before the time ..."
3. Practical English for Seventh and Eighth Grades by James Witt Sewell (1911)
"The past progressive tense expresses action continuing in past time. The past
perfect tense expresses action in past time completed before some other action ..."
4. Practical English for Seventh and Eighth Grades by James Witt Sewell (1911)
"The past progressive tense expresses action continuing in past time. The past
perfect tense expresses action in past time completed before some other action ..."
5. A Modern English Grammar by Huber Gray Buehler (1900)
"The past progressive tense represents an action as going on at some point in past
time. It is formed by putting "was" ("wast," "were ") before the present ..."