The Logic: Past Continuous
Active Voice
Was Doing ItThe Subject was in the middle of doing an action.
Sub + was/were + V-ing + Obj
"The artist was painting the portrait."
Passive Voice
Was Being DoneWe use being to show it was continuous.
Obj + was/were + BEING + V3
"The portrait was being painted by the artist."
Rule 1: Insert 'Being'
This is crucial.
Continuous Active → Being + V3 in Passive.
Rule 2: Check Agreement
Active: "Students(pl) were reading a book."
Passive: "A book(sg) was being read."
Rule 3: Main Verb to V3
The -ing moves to "being". The main verb becomes Past Participle.
Transformation Lab
Interactive Demonstration
Click 'Transform' to see how was/were + ing changes.
1/5
Active: Subject + was/were + V-ing + Object
More Examples
Mastery Check
Test your knowledge. 20 Questions. Past Continuous Passive.
Question 1/20
Score: 0
Quiz Complete!
0/20
Great job!