过去进行时和一般过去时的比较

（1）过去进行时和一般过去时的基本差别是，过去进行时表示一个正在进行的动作，而一般过去时表示一个已完成的动作。试比较下面的句子。

I was writing an essay.我在写一篇论文。（可能还没写完）

I wrote an essay yesterday.我昨天写了一篇论坛。（已写完）

They were building a skyscraper.他们在建一座摩天大厦。（在修建）

They build a skyscraper.他们盖了一座摩天大厦。（已盖好）

She was knitting a sweater for Tom.她在给Tom织了一件毛衣。

She knitted a sweater for Tom.她给Tom织了一件毛衣。

He was doing his homwork in the afternoon.下午他在做作业。

He did his homework in the afternoon.下午他把作业做完了。

（2）有些动词本身并不表示动作完成，入rain,snow,cough,wear,feel,wait,stay,work等，这时用两种时态意思上差别不大：

It snowed all night.

It was snowing all night

下了一整夜的雪。

She wore a blue coat.

She was wearing a blue coat

她穿着一件蓝外套。

He felt a bit uneasy.

He was feeling a bit uneasy.

他感到有点不自在。

We stayed in a hotel.

We were staying in a hotel.

我们住在旅馆里。

（3）用进行时态有时有感情色彩，特别是带有always，forever，constantly这类状语时，如：

He was always ringing me up.他老是给我打电话。（厌烦）

She was always working.她总是不停地干活。（赞扬）

The old lady was forever grumbling.这老太太老是嘀嘀咕咕。（厌烦）

He was constantly changing his mind.他老是改变主意。（不以为然）

（4）有时用过去时表示现在的想法，可以显得客气一点，如：

I was wondering whether you could give me some advice.不知你能否帮我出点主意。

I was thinking maybe he could go by taxi.我在想或许他可以做的士去。

I was hoping you could reconsider our proposal.我希望你能再考虑一下我们的建议。