過去被打斷的動作，過去連續中斷動作
用過去進行時來表示過去一個較長的動作被打斷了。打斷通常是簡單過去時較短的動作。其實，這可能是一個真正的干擾，也可能只是一個時間上的干擾。
例如：
I was watching TV when she called.
她打電話時我正在看電視。
She was writing a letter when the telephone rang.
電話鈴響時，她正在寫信。
While we were having a picnic, it began to rain.
當我們正在野餐時，天開始下雨了。
What were you doing when the earthquake started?
地震開始的時候你在做什么?
I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
我當時在聽iPod，所以沒有聽到火警。
You didn't listen to me when I told you to turn off the oven.
我讓你把烤箱關掉的時候你根本沒聽我的。
Someone stole John's car while he was sleeping last night.
昨晚約翰睡覺時，有人偷了他的車。
Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
我們下飛機時薩米在等我們。
When I was writing an E-mail, the computer suddenly shut down.
當我正在寫電子郵件時，電腦突然關機了。
What were you doing when you broke your leg? I'm skiing.
你摔斷腿的時候在干什么?我在滑雪。
所以，當過去被打斷的動作，一般用過去進行時。