Past Simple (basics)
We use the Past Simple to talk about finished actions in the past. Many verbs add -ed, but some are irregular.
Regular verbs: -ed
Add -ed to most verbs for the past (work -> worked, play -> played). The form is the same for all people. Common time words: yesterday, last week, ago.
- •I worked yesterday.
- •We watched a film last night.
- •She visited her family last week.
Irregular verbs and was/were
Many common verbs are irregular and you must learn them: go -> went, have -> had, see -> saw, buy -> bought. The past of be is was (I/he/she/it) and were (you/we/they).
- •I went to the shop.
- •He had a good day.
- •They were at home.
Negative and questions with did
Use did not (didn't) for negatives and Did ...? for questions. After did/didn't, use the basic verb (no -ed).
- •I didn't see him.
- •Did you eat breakfast?
- •Where did she go?