We use the past simple when we talk about an action which happened at a definite time in the past. This tense emphasizes that the action is finished. We can also use this tense to talk about how someone felt about something.
When was your wedding?
It was 3 years ago. I was beyond happy to marry the love of my life
The past simple is formed by adding -ed to the bare infinitive of the regular verb. Regular verb ending in -e simply add -d. All persons have the same form.
He worked part-time as a waiter
We liked our stay at the hotel
Regular verbs ending in consonant + -y change -y to -ie.
Regular verbs ending with one vowel and one consonant double the final consonant.
Irregular verbs are not formed the following the same pattern. Use the past tense form of the irregular verb. You can find the list of irregular verbs online.
Note that the past tense form of the verb to be depends on the person of the subject.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| I was | we were |
| you were | you were |
| he/she/it was | they were |
Question are formed with did and the bare infinitive of the verb. Negatives are formed with did not and the bare infinitive of the verb. Questions and negatives with both regular and irregular verbs are formed this pattern. All persons are formed with did/did not.
(+) His sister lived in Sutton, London
(-) His sister did not live in Sutton. She lived in Harrow (?) Did his sister live in Sutton? / Where did his sister live London?
Some time markers can show when the action happened or emphasize the habitual character of the action (in this case, you can use the phrase every day). These time markers are yesterday, last night, (not) long time ago, two years ago etc.
Shakespeare died in 1616
Ryan did not go to work yesterday. He got sick When did you move to Spain? - I moved there not a long time ago
Note that we use did/did not with the verb to have.
I didn't have enough money to buy a new computer
But we don't use did with the verb to be (was/were)
Why were you so angry?
I wasn't angry. This was my usual self
-Mom, do you have a minute?
-Sure, kid, what's up?
-When as the last time you went to a beauty salon?
-Well, I don't remember. Maybe it was a year ago.
-And when was the last time you had a night out with Dad?
-I'm not sure. It was definitely a long time ago.
-And what did you do last night?
-I stayed at home with your Dad. We fell asleep watching some boring movie on TV.
-I bought two tickets to Costa Rica. You need a vacation, Mom!
Write the correct sentence.
Nick's mother (not to want) to stay at home the whole day so she (to sign up) for Spanish classes.
I (to run) every day when I (to be) a teen but I don't do that anymore.
Where (you/to be) last night? I (to try) calling you but you (not to pick up) the phone.
There are 2 mistakes in each sentence. Correct the mistakes.
Kim goed on a date with David the last night but didn't call him afterwards.
How you did get this job? There was so many people ready to kill for it!
We didn't invited Ann to the party. No one really likes her after she badmouthied Kristen.
Yesterday I driven to Houston to see Dan. We wented to high school together.
Answer the questions.
Where did you grow up?
What did you do last night?
When was the last time you went on a trip?