Linda ___ (had been trying) to find a present for her mum for over an hour before she ___ (finally saw) something nice to buy her.
William ___ (had already heard) the news when I ___ (called) to tell him.
While Emma ___ (was doing) her homework, her brother ___ (was playing) music loudly, and she couldn't concentrate.
Nathan ___ (came) across a photo of his great-grandfather as he ___ (was looking) through some old things.
Helen ___ (is) exhausted because she ___ (has been jogging) for two hours.