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Simple Past Tense: Definition and how to use it
Along with present simple and present continuous, the simple past tense - also known as the preterite - is among the most used verb tenses in the English language.
We use it in our everyday conversations with friends and family, to complete homework given by teachers. In short, we can't avoid it. It’s everywhere.
Fortunately, getting a hang of it is easy. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what simple past tense is, as well as the various ways in which you can use it in your everyday life.
What’s the Simple Past Tense
The simple past tense is a verb tense used to describe actions, events, or states that occurred and were completed in the past. It can also be used to talk about actions that happened at a specific time in the past and are no longer ongoing or relevant to the present.
Eg. Suzy finished her homework last night.
The action of finishing her homework is completed and occurred in the past.
Eg. James went to the beach yesterday.
The action of going to the beach happened at a specific time (yesterday) in the past and is not ongoing.
How to form the Simple Past Tense
Forming the simple past tense is pretty straightforward - most of the time.
With regular verbs
For regular verbs, simply add a ‘-ed’ to the root form of the verb.
| Root form of the verb | Simple Past |
| Talk | Talked |
| Pull | Pulled |
| Listen | Listened |
| Jump | Jumped |
| Shout | Shouted |
With irregular verbs
As for irregular verbs, the simple past tense is often formed in several different ways.
| Root form of the verb | Simple Past |
| Go | Went |
| See | Saw |
| Run | Ran |
| Catch | Caught |
| Swim | Swam |
However, for certain irregular verbs, things get a little complicated. That’s because the simple past tense of some irregular verbs looks exactly like their root form.
| Root form of the verb | Simple Past |
| Put | Put |
| Cut | Cut |
| Hit | Hit |
| Read | Read |
| Cost | Cost |
Examples
Eg. They put their bags down and relaxed after the long journey.
Eg. She cut her hair short for the summer.
Eg. He hit a home run during the baseball game.
Eg. She read the book five times.
Eg. The meal cost a lot more than I expected.
How to form the Simple Past Tense negative
Using the Simple Past Tense in the negative form allows us to describe actions, events, or states that did not happen in the past. This form is particularly useful for discussing actions that were not completed or events that did not occur.
To form the negative simple past tense, simply use the auxiliary verb ‘did not’ (or ‘didn't’) followed by the base form of the main verb.
[Subject] + did not/didn’t + [root form of verb]
Eg. She ate breakfast this morning. (Positive sentence)
Eg. She didn't eat breakfast this morning. (Negative sentence)
How to use the Simple Past Tense in a question
Using the Simple Past Tense in a question allows you to inquire about actions, events, or states that occurred and were completed in the past. This tense is particularly suitable for asking about past events, actions, or states that are no longer ongoing or relevant to the present.
To form questions in the Simple Past Tense, simply use the auxiliary verb 'did' followed by the base form of the main verb.
Did + [subject] + [root form of verb]
Eg. She went to the party last night. (Statement)
Eg. Did she go to the party last night? (Question)
You can also use a similar word order for a choice question by including an alternative choice at the end of the sentence.
Did + [Subject] + [root form of verb] + [choice A] + or + [choice B]
Eg. He brought the dog to the vet. (Statement)
Eg. Did he bring the dog to the vet or the park? (Question)
Alternatively, you can also form the question by placing the question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) at the beginning of the sentence.
[Who/What/Where/When/Why/How] + did + [Subject] + [Base Form of Verb]
Eg. He visited the art gallery yesterday. (Statement)
Eg. When did he visit the art gallery? (Question)
