The Past Simple describes finished actions and situations in the past, usually with a time that is known or stated. Regular verbs end in -ed; irregular verbs have their own second form.
How to form the Past Simple
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | subject + verb-ed (regular) · subject + second form (irregular) | I worked. · She went home. |
| Negative | subject + did not (didn't) + base verb | We didn't see him. |
| Question | Did + subject + base verb? | Did you call her? |
When to use the Past Simple
- A finished action at a specific time: I met her last year.
- A series of past events (a story): He opened the door, looked in and left.
- Past habits and states: We lived in Krakow when I was a child.
Signal words
These words often show that the Past Simple is needed: yesterday, last night, last week, two days ago, in 2015, when I was young, then, at 8 o'clock.
Examples
- She visited her grandmother on Sunday.
- I didn't go to work yesterday.
- Did you see the film?
- They bought a new car last month.
- He was very tired.
- We played tennis and then had lunch.
Common mistakes
- Using the past form after did: Did you went? → Did you go?
- Regular -ed on irregular verbs: goed, buyed → went, bought.
- Spelling: stop → stopped, study → studied, like → liked.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pronounce -ed?
After voiceless sounds it is /t/ (walked), after voiced sounds /d/ (played), and after t or d it is /ɪd/ (wanted).