過去進行時和一般過去時的區別對比

(1) 過去進行時通常表示一個過去正在進行的動作；而一般過去時則通常表示一個過去已經完成的動作。如：

I was reading the newspaper last night. 我昨晚在看書。(不一定看完)

I read the newspaper last night. 我昨晚看了報紙。(已經看完)

He was building a model ship out of wood. 他在那裡脩一座橋。(不一定建成)

He built a model ship out of wood. 他用木頭造了個模型船。(已建成)

(2) 少數動詞如rain, snow, cough, wear, feel, work等的一般過去時竝不表示動作完成，這時用兩種時態都可以，且含義區別不大。如：

It snowed / was snowing all day yesterday. 昨天下了一天的雪。

She didn't feel / wasn't feeling well that day. 那天她感到不太舒服。

The child coughed / was coughing all night. 這孩子咳嗽了一整夜。