The Past Simple
When do we use the past simple?
To talk about actions completed in the past at a definite time.
 When did you meet him?I met him many years ago.
For actions in the past whose time is not specified, but which happened at a period of time which is now over.
I failed the driving test.
The dog ate my homework
For a habit in the past
She never listened to her parents as a teenager.
I ate a lot when I was pregnant.
Remember: if you can substitute your idea using "used to", then it’s the Past Simple.
How do we use the past simple?
[+] Add -ed at the end of the verb
We (/ I / you / he / she / it / they) worked here last year.
I (/ you / he / she / it / we / they) studied at the University of Connecticut
[-] Add the helping verb did and negation word not = did not = didn't
The main verb then goes back to its base form - V1 (didn't already indicates the past)
She (/ I / you / he / it / we / they) didn't see it coming.
They (/ I / you / he / she / it / we) didn't attend the meeting.
[?] The helping verb Did begins the question
The main verb then goes back to its base form - V1 (Did already indicates the past)
Did you (/ I / he / she / it / we / they) find a good parking spot?
Did it (/ I / you / he / she / we / they) work?
What did you have for breakfast?
How much did you pay for your bike?
The relevant form is V2
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V1
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V2
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V3
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base form
same as
the infinitive without to |
past simple
(instead of
-ed)
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used in the
present perfect
and passive |
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to bet |
bet |
bet |
to buy |
bought |
bought |
| drink |
drank |
drunk |
| eat |
ate |
eaten |
| forget |
forgot |
forgotten |
| see |
saw |
seen |
| sell |
sold |
sold |
| think |
thought |
thought |
 Time Expressions used in the Past Simple:
| Last (week, year…) |
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| (2 minutes, 5 weeks…) ago |
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| A specific date (In 1994, On July 11th…) |
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| When (I was in the army…) |
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| Yesterday, the previous day (…) |
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Now practice the past simple.
The links below provide exercises with immediate feedback so you can test yourself.
**  For kids:
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