past progressive
example

Yesterday evening we were watching the game so we couldn't come.

He was sleeping all night long.

Were you sleeping all night long?

I wasn't resting, I was working!

Last night at nine o'clock John was washing the dishes.

Why was John washing the dishes?

Last week we were painting the house.

This morning at five o'clock Shannon was taking care of her baby.

Where was Shannon taking care of her baby?

I was studying when the phone rang.

They were eating when their friends showed up.

While the cat was sleeping the mice were eating its food.

We were having a very nice picnic when it started to rain.