English Grammar and Exercises / Verbs tenses / How to use the Simple PastTense

How to use the Simple Past Tense

Simple Past Tense - Form
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THE USE OF SIMPLE PAST TENSE
1) For a completed action in a time before now
Use simple past to talk about a completed action that started and finished at a specific time in the past.
EXAMPLES
  • Albert Einstein developed the general theory of relativity.
  • I met my husband in 1993.
  • The cat broke the lamp yesterday.
  • Last year, I traveled to Canada.
  • She did not eat anything for 2 days.
  • They played baseball over twenty years ago.
  • Did you open the door last night?
  • What did you do last weekend?
  • Why didn’t you do your homework?

​2) For events that were true for some time in the past
Use simple past to indicate the duration of past events. 
EXAMPLES
  • They lived in Russia for three years.
  • The baby did not cry for five minutes.
  • I talked on the phone for fifteen minutes.
  • He waited for two hours.

​3) For a list of completed actions in the past
Use simple past to tell a story or a list of completed actions in the past in order to express actions which follow each other.
EXAMPLES
  • Ryan came in, took off his coat and sat down.
  • Yesterday, I had a very rough day. I woke up late so I missed my train to work.
  • I bought a cup of tea and a newspaper. I found a chair to sit on. I drank my tea and read the newspaper.
  • Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs?

​4) For habits in the past 
Use simple past to talk habitual or repeated actions that took place in the past. 
EXAMPLES
  • She saw him every day.
  • When I was a child, I played the piano.
  • Tom visited his parents every weekend.
  • I drove to work every day.
  • Did you play the violin when you were young?

​5) For past fact
Use simple past to talk about past facts which are no longer true.
EXAMPLES
  • He did not like eggs before.
  • Did you live in Senegal when you were younger?

​6) To talk about an action in the past that takes place in the middle of another action
Use simple past to talk about an action in the past taking place in the middle of another action.
EXAMPLES
  • When she arrived, I was watching TV.
  • They were playing volleyball on the beach when she broke her arm.
  • I was having a bath when the phone rang.

​Adverb placement
You can use adverbs such as: always, never, once, frequently, just, rarely, etc. with the simple past tense.
EXAMPLES
  • You always invited me to your birthday parties.
  • She never played volleyball in the colleague.
  • I met him once.
  • He frequently changed jobs.
  • Did you just call her?
  • I just wanted to say what I mean.
  • Kevin rarely missed classes.
Click here for Simple PastTense Exercises