how long were you working

[Verona_82]

Hello,

I found this sentence in "Destination C1&C2" by Macmillan:

We were working on my computer for four hours yesterday.

If one wants to find out about the duration of this activity, should they ask

How long were you working on your computer yesterday?

Thank you!

 

[5jj]

You can ask that.

 

[Verona_82]

Thanks, 5jj, I don't know why, but it sounded unusual to me.
But there's one more thing I'd like to ask about the original sentence. When might you say it? I mean, why would a person go for the past contuous rather than just state "I worked for four hours"? Just for the sake of emphasizing the duration?

 

[Barb_D]

Just for the sake of emphasizing the duration?

Exactly.