Past Tense

Past tense verbs usually end with an -ed ending but only for affirmative sentences. For questions and negative statements we use did to express the past. See below.

(Q) Where did you work?
(A) I worked in an office.
(N) I did not work in the city.

There are three ways to pronounce the -ed ending.

-ed = /t/ Verbs ending with non-voiced sounds such as: -sh, -ch, -p, -k, -s, -t.

• I washed the dishes.
• I walked to work.
• I worked at my desk.
• I talked to my friend.

-ed = /d/ Verbs ending with voiced sounds such as: -n, -y, -v, -m.

• I cleaned my room.
• I enjoyed the movie.
• I mowed the lawn.

-ed = /id/ Verbs ending with -d or -t.

• I wanted to go.
• I decided to stay.
• I needed to sleep.

Negative

• I did not work.
• I didn't sleep much.

(did not = didn’t)