Past Tense

Learn how to use the past tense in English to talk about the past.

Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point

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Answer the following questions about the interview.

Past Tense

Point 1: We use the simple past to talk about completed events.
  1. We watched a really good movie.
  2. I went to Nepal for a year.
  3. I played tennis when I was a kid.
  4. They bought a new house.
Point 2: Affirmative sentences use the past tense form of the verb, which often is an -ed ending.
  1. He stayed home and studied.
  2. He worked late last night.
  3. She cooked a big dinner.
  4. He washed and ironed the clothes.
Point 3: Many verbs have an irregular form that is not an -ed ending, but rather a special spelling.
  1. I met Joe last night. (meet)
  2. We had dinner at the new cafe. (have)
  3. We ate their pasta. (eat)
  4. Later, we saw a movie. (see)
  5. It made me cry! (make)
  6. He bought dinner, so I paid for the movie. (buy/pay)
Point 4: For WH questions, use did after the question word.
  • What did you do on the weekend?
    • I stayed home and studied.
  • Where did Roy go on the weekend?
    • He went to Devon.
  • Who did you meet?
    • I met Susan.
Point 5: For Yes / No questions, we use did to start the question, and did in short answers.
  • Did you go out on Saturday?
    • Yes, I did go out.
    • No, I didn’t go out.
  • Did you see Roy?
    • Yes, I did.
    • No, I didn’t.
Point 6: For negative statements, just add did not or didn’t before the base verb.
  1. I did not have time to go to the party.
  2. I didn't have time to go to the party.
  3. She did not like her dinner.
  4. She didn't like her dinner.
  5. The trains did not leave on time.
  6. The trains didn't leave on time.

More Lessons


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A1-23 Past Tense
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A1-25 Any / Some
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