момент в прошлом
We were playing chess at 5
o’clock. 2) Два или более длительных действий в прошлом, происходивших одновременно
She was playing piano and her sister was singing.
3) Длительное действие в прошлом, которое прерывается другим (как правило, коротким) действием.
As he was taking a shower, somebody knocked at his door.
4) При описании обстановки или атмосферы \
He entered the room.
The candles were burning in the corners and the smell of cigarettes was filling the room.
5) Для выражения отрицательной характеристики
The boy was constantly playing tricks on his poor mother.
