Past Simple Tense Verbs for ELL - Uses, Examples & Rules

Regular verbs follow the regular rule for past simple verb forms. The regular rule states that past simple verbs are formed by adding “ed” to the base verb form.

Irregular verbs do not follow the regular rule for past simple verb forms. Irregular verbs have no regular form. They are “not regular.” They are irregular. Irregular verbs should be memorized individually.

See irregular verbs list here. (coming soon)

Regular Base Verb / Past Simple Form

walk / walked
travel / traveled
talk / talked
play / played

Irregular Base Verb / Past Simple Form
come / came
go / went
say / said
take / took

What are examples of negative past simple statements?

For all past simple negative statements, except those using the verb “to Be,” use the form: did + not + base verb. This form is used for all subjects.

For past simple negative statements with “to Be“, click here.

The contraction for did+ not is didn’t.

Affirmative Past Simple Statements

I moved your boxes upstairs last week.
You ate all of the shrimp.
Rick played baseball two years ago.
Lisa saw Michael yesterday.
It rained a lot this month.
We began the project this morning.
Tim and Amber wanted to wait.

Negative Past Simple Statements

I did not move your clothes.
You did not eat any vegetables.
He did not play last year.
She did not see Alison yesterday.
It didn’t rain yesterday though.
We didn’t begin the project last night.
They didn’t want to get lost.

What are examples of past simple questions?

For past simple questions, except those using the verb “to Be,” use the form: did + subject + base verb. This form is used for all subjects.

For past simple questions with “to Be“, click here.

Past Simple Statements

I made three baskets.
You worked a lot last week.
He taught 4th grade in 2019.
Lisa saw Michael yesterday.
It rained a lot this past month.
We started our project.
Tim and Amber took the bikes.

Past Simple Questions

Did I make three or four baskets?
Did you work a lot last week?
Did he teach 4th grade in 2019?
Did she see Michael yesterday?
Did it rain a lot this past month?
Did we start our project?
Did they take the bikes?

How is the verb to be used in the past simple?

The verb “to Be” is irregular in its present AND past forms.

There are two forms of “to be” in the past simple tense: was and were. 1st person singular subjects and 3rd person singular subjects use was. All other subjects use were.

Singular 1st Person

I was late to school.

Singular 2nd Person

You were married.

Singular 3rd Person

He was at home
She was at her school play.
It was a great party.

Plural 1st Person

We were in California.

Plural 2nd Person

You were all there.

Plural 3rd Person

They were there yesterday.

What are examples of past simple negative statements with to be?

For all past simple negative statements with “to Be” add the word not after the correct form of to be.

Past Simple – Affirmative – to Be

I was late to school.
You were married.
He was at home.
She was at her school play.
It was a great party.
We were in California.
They were there yesterday.

Past Simple – Negative – to Be

I was not late to school.
You were not married.
He was not at home.
She was not at her school play.
It was not a great party.
We were not in California.
They were not there yesterday.

What are examples of past simple questions with to be?

For past simple questions with to be place the verb form before the subject.

Past Simple Statement – to Be

I was the first to finish the race.
You were married at that time.
He was a good teacher.
She was the goalie last year.
It was in the garage.
We were here this morning.
They were there yesterday.

Past simple question – to Be

Was I the first to finish the race?
Were you married at that time?
Was he a good teacher?
Was she the goalie last year?
Was it in the garage?
Were we here this morning?
Were they there yesterday?

What are good examples of the past simple tense?

More Examples of Past Simple Tense

I walked to school yesterday.
She traveled last winter.
He did not play last year.
It didn’t rain yesterday.
Did we start our project yet?
I was late to school yesterday.
We were in California last week.
It was not a great party.
They were not at the party.
Was I the winner of the race?
Were they at the park on Friday?

Basic ESL Workbooks

Workbook 1

Lessons 1-15 Buy

Workbook 2

Lessons 16-30 Buy

Workbook 3

Lessons 31-45 Buy

Tenses:

Comprehensive Guide on Past Simple Tense Verbs for ELL

Basic ESL Workbooks

Workbook 1

Workbook 2

Workbook 3

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