- Simple Past describes actions that were completed at a specific time in the past
- Regular verbs add -ed to the base form (work → worked), while irregular verbs have special past forms that must be memorized (go → went)
- For negative sentences, use "didn't" + base verb (I didn't work yesterday)
- For questions, use "Did" + subject + base verb (Did you work yesterday?)
Simple Past Tense
The Simple Past tense is used to describe actions that were completed at a specific time in the past. It's one of the most commonly used tenses in English.
When to Use Simple Past
Use the Simple Past when:
• An action happened and finished in the past
• The time is mentioned or understood
• It describes a past habit or repeated action
Formation
Regular verbs: Add -ed to the base form
Irregular verbs: Use the past form (must be memorized)
Examples in Context
✓ I worked late yesterday.
✓ She went to Paris last summer.
✓ They had dinner at 7 PM.
✓ He studied English for three years.
Negative Form
Use did not (didn't) + base verb
I didn't work yesterday.
She didn't go to the party.
Question Form
Use Did + subject + base verb
Did you work yesterday?
Did she go to the party?
Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Complete the quiz below and check your answers as you go. When you're finished, submit your results.
