Past Simple

Use of the Past Simple:

We use the Past Simple to talk about a completed action at a specific time  in the past. The verbs used are divided in two types of verbs: regular or irregular.

  •  actions finished in the past

I worked from home last week.

  • a series of completed actions in the past

First  she got up, then she had a shower.

  • used together with the Past Progressive/Continuous

  • The Simple Past interrupts an action that was in progress in the past.

They were watching a film, when the telephone rang. (For further information see the Past Continuous)

1st action → Past Progressive → were watching
2nd action → Simple Past → rang

Key  words

  • yesterday
  • last week
  • a month ago
  • in 2012
  • last October

Form

regular verbs → infinitive + ed.
Irregular verbs may vary in form, consult the list of Irregular verbs.

 Affirmative form regular verbs

Long formsContracted forms
I walked home yesterday.not possible
You walked home yesterday.
He walked home yesterday.

 Affirmative form irregular verbs

Long formsContracted forms
I spoke to Chloe last week.not possible
You spoke to Chloe last week.
He spoke to Chloe last week.

 Negative form

Note important! to make the negative verb form, you must use the  auxiliary verb in the past do → did  The main verb  remains in the infinitive form. (see Simple Present)

There is no difference between regular and irregular verbs in negative sentences.

Long formsContracted forms
I did not clean the house last Monday .I didn’t clean the house last Monday.
You did not speak to Chloe yesterday.You didn’t speak to Chloe yesterday.
He did not walk home last night.He didn’t walk home last night.

Interrogative form

Note important!  to make an interrogative verb form, you must use an auxiliary verb in the past do →did. The main verb remains in the infinitive form.
Long formsContracted forms
Did I watch televion yesterday evening?not possible
Did you speak to Chloe last night?
Did he play football last month?