Past Simple
1. Formation
We form the past simple of regular verbs by adding -ed to the infinitive. But irregular
verbs have their own forms. We form negative statements and questions with did.
*I worked a lot.
*She didn’t read my letter.
*Did you call her?
2. Use
We use the past simple to say that something happened at a particular point of
time in the past (answering the question when?) or in a particular period of time
in the past (which is now over). The point or period of time can be mentioned, or
it may be clear from the context. Some common phrases of time are yesterday, in
1998, last year, an hour ago, etc. We also use the past simple (not the present perfect)
after When …?
Fiona passed her driving test in 1998.
When did you last see Patrick?
two days ago (now)
The past simple is also used in reports about past events and in stories.
*It was late. Fiona turned off the TV and went upstairs. …
We use the past simple when giving more information about a past event we have
introduced in the present perfect. The past simple is used to give further details,
e.g. where and how something happened.
*There has been an accident in Carlton Street. A van crashed into a bus.
*The bus stopped abruptly and three people were injured.
When two or more (short) actions in the past come directly one after the other,
we use the past simple for all the actions.
*The cat ran out when Joanne opened the door.
1. Formation
We form the past simple of regular verbs by adding -ed to the infinitive. But irregular
verbs have their own forms. We form negative statements and questions with did.
*I worked a lot.
*She didn’t read my letter.
*Did you call her?
2. Use
We use the past simple to say that something happened at a particular point of
time in the past (answering the question when?) or in a particular period of time
in the past (which is now over). The point or period of time can be mentioned, or
it may be clear from the context. Some common phrases of time are yesterday, in
1998, last year, an hour ago, etc. We also use the past simple (not the present perfect)
after When …?
Fiona passed her driving test in 1998.
When did you last see Patrick?
two days ago (now)
The past simple is also used in reports about past events and in stories.
*It was late. Fiona turned off the TV and went upstairs. …
We use the past simple when giving more information about a past event we have
introduced in the present perfect. The past simple is used to give further details,
e.g. where and how something happened.
*There has been an accident in Carlton Street. A van crashed into a bus.
*The bus stopped abruptly and three people were injured.
When two or more (short) actions in the past come directly one after the other,
we use the past simple for all the actions.
*The cat ran out when Joanne opened the door.