past progressive

American  

[past pruh-gres-iv] / ˈpæst prəˈgrɛs ɪv /

noun

past progressives plural

1. a verb construction, in English made up of the auxiliary verb be in the past tense followed by the present participle of the main verb, used especially to express an action or event that was incomplete or in progress at a point of reference in the past, such as I was sleeping when the phone rang.

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adjective

1. designating a verb construction used to express an action or event that was incomplete or in progress at a point of reference in the past.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• past progressives
  plural

Etymology

Origin of past progressive

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Moreover, the utility of beta interferon for steadily progressive forms of multiple sclerosis -- an unfortunate minority of cases -- has yet to be shown.

From Time Magazine Archive

Finally, a gradual but steadily progressive amelioration of temperature took place; the ice slowly gave way, and ultimately disappeared altogether; and the climate once more became temperate, except in high northern latitudes.

From The Ancient Life History of the Earth A Comprehensive Outline of the Principles and Leading Facts of Palæontological Science by Nicholson, Henry Alleyne

From that time the development of our single-seater fighters was steadily progressive.

From Aviation in Peace and War by Sykes, Frederick Hugh, Sir

So fine and faultless, so perfectly balanced, so steadily progressive, so clear and simple and satisfying.

From The Speech of Monkeys by Garner, Richard Lynch

Every year he was finding it harder to meet the gradually increasing demand upon his purse; for there was a steadily progressive enlargement of his family, and year after year the cost of living advanced.

From After a Shadow and Other Stories by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)