past continuous tense

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
CaptainCuong
Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:19 am
Status: Learner of English

past continuous tense

Post by CaptainCuong »

This is the definition of the word 'realize' in the LONGMAN dictionary.

"to achieve something that you were hoping to achieve"

Why is the past continuous tense used in this case?
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15204
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: past continuous tense

Post by Alan »

Because the hope naturally precedes the achievement!
Locked