past progressive

The past progressive is used to say that something was happening at a particular time in the past. However, the past progressive of certain nonaction verbs softens statements, requests, suggestions, and questions, making them less direct and more polite.
過去進行式可用來說明過去特定時間正在發生某件事。不過，某些不表動作的動詞之過去進行式，可以使陳述句、要求、建議和問句的語氣較柔和，聽起來比較委婉且禮貌。

"was/were hoping" 能使要求的口吻較為柔和。後面可以加上不定詞 (to V)，或是 ("that") + 主詞 (S) + "could/might/would" + 原形動詞 (V)。
Do you know when Mr. Smith will be back in this office?
I was hoping to speak with him today.
I was hoping I could speak with him today.

S + "was/were wondering" 後面加上以"wh-" 疑問詞、"if"、 或 "whether"開首的子句，可用來形成禮貌的問句。
S + "was/were wondering" 後面加上
"if" + S + "could/might/would" + V 可用來形成禮貌的建議或要求。
I was wondering when we could meet?
I was wondering when we could meet later this afternoon?

S + "was/were thinking" + ("that") + S + "should/could/might/would" 或"ought to" + V 可用來形成禮貌的建議。
I was thinking we could meet when I am in London next week. 
I was thinking first thing in the morning would be a good time to meet. 

Notes:

were wondering

解釋:上述答案是正確的，因為後面可接 if、主詞、would 和動詞來形成禮貌的請求。were 與主詞 Mike and I 配合使用。

was hoping

解釋:上述答案是正確的，因為它能與不定詞配合使用。was 與主詞 I 配合使用。

was hoping

was wondering if

was thinking

解釋:上述答案是正確的，因為後面可接主詞、could 和動詞來形成禮貌的請求或建議。was 與主詞 I 配合使用。

片語

put through(phrasal verb) = 接通

[separable; used with an object]
to transfer someone's telephone call to someone else

Could you please put me through to Edgar's voice mail?

pick up(phrasal verb) = 聽取

[separable; used with an object]
to gather or collect something

I'll pick up my voice mail messages right after the meeting.

be tied up(verb phrase) = 忙得被困住而走不開

to be unavailable because you are busy

I need to talk to Rhonda, but she's tied up in meetings all day.

phone in(phrasal verb) = 打電話進來

[inseparable; not used with an object]
to call the place where you work

Janet's not in the office today, but she'll probably phone in after lunch to check her voice mail.

first thing(adverb phrase) = 第一要務

before anything else happens

My manager wants this report first thing tomorrow morning, so I have to finish it before I go home today.