Further Functions

We use the Past Continuous can be used to:

• talk about ongoing or repeated events in the past:

I was finishing work late every night, I had to take a break

I was commuting to work during that year.

This function is only used if the events or activities that are repeated are "background actions" as discussed here). If the repeated actions are the main or primary events, we use the Past Simple. 

I sent you four messages last night. Where were you?

NOT: I was sending you four messages last night.

We tend to use the Past Continuous to highlight the duration of an activity, but if there is a number of events/actions this is expressed using a simple tense. 

• suggest an activity or situation was temporary or subject to change:

I was waiting for you to change your mind

We were living in the hotel before the house was ready for us to move in

They were winning the game before the other team scored twice

We tend to use the structure "Used to" when we talk about habits in the past that are no longer true instead of the Past Continuous:

We used to go to the Irish bar every Friday but now we stay at home

NOT: We were going to the Irish bar every Friday night but now we stay at home

• talk about repeated, unplanned or unwanted events with adverbs such as always, constantly, forever. This is similar to the use of the Present Continuous to criticise consistent behaviour.

I was spending two hours on the bus every morning, it was terrible. That was why I changed job.

• refer to a specific or definite period of time, usually to emphasise the activity continued over a period of time:

I was drinking all night because it was a celebration!

We were tidying the house all morning because we had guests coming 

• provide context for an event. (this can often be seen as the background event)

I didn't see you last week, I was working from home

We met Chris in the supermarket, we were shopping for our dinner party