Past Tense - Irregular Verbs
Learn how to use the past tense with irregular verbs in English.
Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?
Past Tense - Irregular
Point 1: We use irregular verbs for about 100 English verbs in the affirmative. The verb changes form from the base verb.
- I saw a ghost. (see)
- I ate a light breakfast. (eat)
- I left the car in the garage. (leave)
- I bought a new car. (buy)
Point 2: In the negative form, the verb does not change form. Use did not (or didn't) + the base verb.
- I saw a ghost, but I did not see it for very long!
- I ate a light breakfast. I did not eat eggs or toast.
- I left the car in the garage. I did not leave it locked though.
- I bought a new car. I did not buy it for me, though.
Point 3: If a question is about the object in the past, the verb does not change form.
- Who did you see?
- I saw George.
- Where did you go?
- I went home.
- Why did he do that?
- He did it for money.
- How did you sleep last night?
- I slept well.
Point 4: If a question is about the subject in the past, the verb changes to the irregular form.
- Who came to the party?
- Bill came to the party.
- Who did this?
- Susan did it.
- What broke?
- The vase broke.
- Who bought this?
- Jill bought it.
