This
tense is confusing because the verb "be" appears
twice. This example uses the verb "teach" as
the main verb: teach / taught / taught
Singular
Plural
I wasbeing taught
We werebeing taught
You werebeing taught
You werebeing taught
He wasbeing taught
She wasbeing taught
They werebeing taught
It wasbeing taught
* This is similar to the causative form which we will look at
in Lesson 15, Green Level.
1. The book was being read by
the boy. (passive voice)
The boy was reading the book. (past continuous tense, active voice)
2. Pancakes were being made in
the kitchen.
He was being helped by his wife.
3. Flowers were being grown in
this garden. (passive voice)
I was growing the flowers last year. (active voice)
4. This man was being held in
a prison because he did something very bad, but then he was
released.
5. She was being
hugged by her brother. (passive voice)
Her brother was hugging her. (active voice)
The
past continuous tense in the passive voice is not easy
to use. Until you know it well, I don't recommend its
use. In some situations, it sounds strange.
