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Past Simple Tense Complete Tutorial (B1) – Ultra-Interactive Grammar Practice & Quizzes | LingExam
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July 27, 2025
Past Simple Tense (B1 Grammar Tutorial – LingExam)
What is the Past Simple Tense?
The past simple tense is used to describe actions or situations that happened and finished in the past. We often use time expressions like yesterday, last week, or in 2020. For example: “I visited Paris last year.” Regular verbs add -ed, but many verbs are irregular: “go” becomes “went.” We use the past simple to share stories, talk about experiences, or explain what you did on the weekend.
Questions and negatives use did:
“Did you call your friend?” or “I didn’t see him.”
Mastering the past simple helps you talk about your life and learn about others!
The past simple tense is used to describe actions or situations that happened and finished in the past. We often use time expressions like yesterday, last week, or in 2020. For example: “I visited Paris last year.” Regular verbs add -ed, but many verbs are irregular: “go” becomes “went.” We use the past simple to share stories, talk about experiences, or explain what you did on the weekend.
Questions and negatives use did:
“Did you call your friend?” or “I didn’t see him.”
Mastering the past simple helps you talk about your life and learn about others!
How to Use the Past Simple Tense – Step by Step
1
Recognize Past Events:
Use the past simple for actions that started and finished in the past.
Examples:
I watched a movie last night.
She called her mother on Sunday.
Use the past simple for actions that started and finished in the past.
Examples:
I watched a movie last night.
She called her mother on Sunday.
2
Form Regular Past Verbs:
For regular verbs, add -ed to the base verb.
Examples:
play → played
work → worked
For regular verbs, add -ed to the base verb.
Examples:
play → played
work → worked
3
Learn Irregular Past Verbs:
Some verbs are irregular and don’t follow the -ed rule.
Examples:
go → went
have → had
see → saw
Some verbs are irregular and don’t follow the -ed rule.
Examples:
go → went
have → had
see → saw
4
Use “Did” for Questions and Negatives:
For questions, use did + subject + base verb.
Did you finish your homework?
For negatives, use didn’t + base verb.
I didn’t like the food.
For questions, use did + subject + base verb.
Did you finish your homework?
For negatives, use didn’t + base verb.
I didn’t like the food.
5
Time Expressions:
Use the past simple with words like yesterday, last night, in 2019, ago.
Examples:
We moved here two years ago.
He started his job in 2020.
Use the past simple with words like yesterday, last night, in 2019, ago.
Examples:
We moved here two years ago.
He started his job in 2020.
Example Sentences:
Regular: I opened the window.
Irregular: She ate pizza for dinner.
Question: Did you see the news?
Negative: I didn’t go to the party.
Irregular: She ate pizza for dinner.
Question: Did you see the news?
Negative: I didn’t go to the party.
Practice Exercise 1: Past Simple Tense
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Instantly see a full explanation after you select an option. These questions review the tutorial’s first steps!
Mastering Past Simple: Irregular Verbs, Spelling Rules & Negative/Question Forms
Let’s go deeper! The Past Simple isn’t just about adding “-ed”—it’s also about recognizing irregular verbs, spelling changes, and building negatives and questions using did/didn’t. Understanding these rules will help you speak and write clearly about the past in real conversations.
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Spelling Rules for Regular Past Simple Verbs:
Most verbs: walk → walked, play → played.
If a verb ends in e: just add -d.
love → loved, like → liked
If a verb ends with a consonant + y: change y to i and add -ed.
carry → carried
If a verb ends with one vowel + one consonant (except w, x, y), double the last letter and add -ed:
stop → stopped, plan → planned
Most verbs: walk → walked, play → played.
If a verb ends in e: just add -d.
love → loved, like → liked
If a verb ends with a consonant + y: change y to i and add -ed.
carry → carried
If a verb ends with one vowel + one consonant (except w, x, y), double the last letter and add -ed:
stop → stopped, plan → planned
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Common Irregular Past Simple Verbs:
Some verbs don’t follow the rules. These need to be memorized!
go → went | come → came | see → saw
buy → bought | get → got | make → made
take → took | give → gave | read → read
Some verbs don’t follow the rules. These need to be memorized!
go → went | come → came | see → saw
buy → bought | get → got | make → made
take → took | give → gave | read → read
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Making Negatives in the Past Simple:
Use did not or didn’t + base verb:
I didn’t visit Rome last year.
She did not play football yesterday.
Never use the past verb after “didn’t”: NOT “didn’t went”.
Use did not or didn’t + base verb:
I didn’t visit Rome last year.
She did not play football yesterday.
Never use the past verb after “didn’t”: NOT “didn’t went”.
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Making Questions in the Past Simple:
Did + subject + base verb + ...?
Did you watch the match?
Did he study for the test?
For wh-questions:
Where did she go?
What did you eat?
Did + subject + base verb + ...?
Did you watch the match?
Did he study for the test?
For wh-questions:
Where did she go?
What did you eat?
Quick Reference: Irregular Past Simple Table
Verb: go → Past Simple: went
Verb: make → Past Simple: made
Verb: read → Past Simple: read (pronounced “red”)
Verb: buy → Past Simple: bought
Verb: make → Past Simple: made
Verb: read → Past Simple: read (pronounced “red”)
Verb: buy → Past Simple: bought
Practice Exercise 2: Past Simple – Irregular, Negative & Question Forms
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. After each choice, instantly review the answer key and detailed explanation—these cover irregular forms, spelling rules, negatives, and questions.
Past Simple in Stories & Real-Life Conversations
Why is the Past Simple Tense so important?
This tense lets you talk about your life, describe experiences, and share stories with friends, classmates, and colleagues. Mastering the past simple means you can clearly tell what happened, when it happened, and how it finished.
This tense lets you talk about your life, describe experiences, and share stories with friends, classmates, and colleagues. Mastering the past simple means you can clearly tell what happened, when it happened, and how it finished.
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Use the Past Simple for Storytelling:
Most stories about your day, your past, or your weekend use the past simple.
“Yesterday, I woke up late, missed my bus, and met my friend at a café.”
Every verb (“woke,” “missed,” “met”) shows a finished action. This structure is natural in English for sharing what happened before now.
Most stories about your day, your past, or your weekend use the past simple.
“Yesterday, I woke up late, missed my bus, and met my friend at a café.”
Every verb (“woke,” “missed,” “met”) shows a finished action. This structure is natural in English for sharing what happened before now.
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How to Describe Experiences:
Tell your friends about things you did:
“I visited Paris last summer.”
“We watched a great movie.”
“My parents travelled to Spain in 2021.”
Each sentence uses the past simple because the action is finished and belongs to a specific time.
Tell your friends about things you did:
“I visited Paris last summer.”
“We watched a great movie.”
“My parents travelled to Spain in 2021.”
Each sentence uses the past simple because the action is finished and belongs to a specific time.
12
Typical Questions and Answers in the Past Simple:
A: Did you enjoy the party?
B: Yes, I danced all night!
A: What did you eat for breakfast?
B: I ate eggs and toast.
The question uses “Did + subject + base verb”, and the answer uses the past simple verb (“danced,” “ate”).
A: Did you enjoy the party?
B: Yes, I danced all night!
A: What did you eat for breakfast?
B: I ate eggs and toast.
The question uses “Did + subject + base verb”, and the answer uses the past simple verb (“danced,” “ate”).
13
Real-Life Use: Explaining a Sequence of Actions
The past simple is perfect for telling a story in order.
“First, I got up. Then, I made coffee. After that, I read the news. Finally, I left for work.”
Linking words (“first,” “then,” “after that,” “finally”) make your story clear and easy to follow!
The past simple is perfect for telling a story in order.
“First, I got up. Then, I made coffee. After that, I read the news. Finally, I left for work.”
Linking words (“first,” “then,” “after that,” “finally”) make your story clear and easy to follow!
Sample Mini-Dialogue:
A: Did you see the new movie last weekend?
B: Yes, I saw it with my brother. We loved it!
B: Yes, I saw it with my brother. We loved it!
Practice Exercise 3: Storytelling, Sequence & Real-Life Past Simple
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. After you select, you’ll see a detailed answer key and explanation. These questions help you use the past simple in stories and daily life!
Past Simple: Negatives, Questions, Special Cases & Common Errors
Let’s review some tricky parts of the Past Simple. Many learners make the same mistakes with negatives, questions, and irregular verbs. Here’s how to avoid them and sound natural in real English conversations!
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Negative Sentences: Only Use the Base Verb After “Didn’t”
Example: I didn’t go to school yesterday.
Incorrect: “I didn’t went to school.”
“Didn’t” already shows past time, so the main verb never changes. This is one of the most common errors for English learners—always remember: didn’t + base verb.
Example: I didn’t go to school yesterday.
Incorrect: “I didn’t went to school.”
“Didn’t” already shows past time, so the main verb never changes. This is one of the most common errors for English learners—always remember: didn’t + base verb.
15
Questions: Use “Did + subject + base verb”
Example: Did you see the football match?
Incorrect: “Did you saw the football match?”
This mistake is frequent! Just use the base form after “did” in all questions.
Example: Did you see the football match?
Incorrect: “Did you saw the football match?”
This mistake is frequent! Just use the base form after “did” in all questions.
16
Special Case: “To Be” Verbs Don’t Use “Did”
With “was/were” (the past of “am/is/are”), never use “did” in questions or negatives.
Correct: She was at the park. / Was she at the park? / She wasn’t at the park.
Incorrect: “Did she was at the park?”
With “was/were” (the past of “am/is/are”), never use “did” in questions or negatives.
Correct: She was at the park. / Was she at the park? / She wasn’t at the park.
Incorrect: “Did she was at the park?”
17
Irregular Verbs: Double-Check Their Past Forms
Many irregular verbs change completely in the past simple.
come → came, have → had, see → saw, give → gave
Memorize these forms and don’t add “-ed” by mistake!
Many irregular verbs change completely in the past simple.
come → came, have → had, see → saw, give → gave
Memorize these forms and don’t add “-ed” by mistake!
18
Common Time Expressions With the Past Simple:
yesterday, last week, last night, in 2020, two days ago
These phrases almost always require the past simple in your sentence.
yesterday, last week, last night, in 2020, two days ago
These phrases almost always require the past simple in your sentence.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Mistake: “She didn’t went to the party.”
Correct: “She didn’t go to the party.”
Mistake: “Did you saw my phone?”
Correct: “Did you see my phone?”
Mistake: “Did you was tired?”
Correct: “Were you tired?”
Correct: “She didn’t go to the party.”
Mistake: “Did you saw my phone?”
Correct: “Did you see my phone?”
Mistake: “Did you was tired?”
Correct: “Were you tired?”
Practice Exercise 4: Negatives, Questions & Common Past Simple Errors
Select the correct answer for each sentence. After choosing, instantly review the detailed answer key and explanation—these help you avoid the most frequent mistakes in real English!
Past Simple: Signal Words, Tips & Everyday Phrases
How do you know when to use the Past Simple?
Native speakers use special words and phrases—called signal words—to show something happened in the past. Mastering these will help you understand and speak real, natural English!
Native speakers use special words and phrases—called signal words—to show something happened in the past. Mastering these will help you understand and speak real, natural English!
19
Key Signal Words for the Past Simple:
yesterday, last night, last year, last Monday
ago (e.g. “three days ago”)
in 2001, in May, when I was a child
These words usually mean you need the Past Simple!
yesterday, last night, last year, last Monday
ago (e.g. “three days ago”)
in 2001, in May, when I was a child
These words usually mean you need the Past Simple!
20
How Signal Words Work in Sentences:
“I finished my work yesterday.”
“We moved here two years ago.”
“She called me last week.”
“They travelled to Spain in 2020.”
“I finished my work yesterday.”
“We moved here two years ago.”
“She called me last week.”
“They travelled to Spain in 2020.”
21
Everyday Questions and Answers with the Past Simple:
Did you enjoy the concert last night?
Yes, I loved it!
What did you eat for lunch?
I had pizza and salad.
Did you enjoy the concert last night?
Yes, I loved it!
What did you eat for lunch?
I had pizza and salad.
22
Tip: Always Notice the Time Reference!
Time expressions like “last Friday” or “in 2017” always guide you to use the past simple.
When you hear or read these, check that your verb matches the past simple form.
Time expressions like “last Friday” or “in 2017” always guide you to use the past simple.
When you hear or read these, check that your verb matches the past simple form.
23
Set Phrases with Past Simple:
I didn’t understand. | I forgot.
Did you know? | She didn’t come.
These are useful and natural English responses for everyday situations!
I didn’t understand. | I forgot.
Did you know? | She didn’t come.
These are useful and natural English responses for everyday situations!
Quick Reference Table: Signal Words for Past Simple
Yesterday – I walked to school yesterday.
Last night/week/month/year – He finished his book last week.
...ago – She called me three days ago.
In + year/month – We travelled to Paris in July.
Last night/week/month/year – He finished his book last week.
...ago – She called me three days ago.
In + year/month – We travelled to Paris in July.
Practice Exercise 5: Signal Words & Everyday Phrases
Choose the best answer for each sentence. After selecting, see the detailed answer key and explanation. This will help you master the signal words and phrases for the past simple in real communication!
Past Simple vs. Present Simple • Practice Tips & Your Progress
How do you know if you need the past or the present? Let’s see how the past simple compares with the present simple, and discover expert tips to help you master both!
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Past Simple = Finished Actions / Present Simple = Habits or Facts
I watched a film yesterday. (past: finished)
I watch films every week. (present: habit)
Always check if your sentence describes a specific finished time (use past simple) or a regular activity/truth (use present simple).
I watched a film yesterday. (past: finished)
I watch films every week. (present: habit)
Always check if your sentence describes a specific finished time (use past simple) or a regular activity/truth (use present simple).
25
Typical Confusion: Don’t Mix Your Tenses!
Incorrect: I watch a movie yesterday.
Correct: I watched a movie yesterday.
Incorrect: I watched movies every day.
Correct: I watch movies every day.
Incorrect: I watch a movie yesterday.
Correct: I watched a movie yesterday.
Incorrect: I watched movies every day.
Correct: I watch movies every day.
26
Mini Quiz: Past or Present?
Which is correct?
A) I went to school every day.
B) I go to school every day.
The answer is B! “Every day” = present simple. “Yesterday/last year/two days ago” = past simple.
Which is correct?
A) I went to school every day.
B) I go to school every day.
The answer is B! “Every day” = present simple. “Yesterday/last year/two days ago” = past simple.
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Pro Tip: Look for the Time Signal!
Time expressions (yesterday, last month, in 2020, ago) almost always mean you need the past simple.
Frequency words (always, usually, often, every day) mean present simple.
Time expressions (yesterday, last month, in 2020, ago) almost always mean you need the past simple.
Frequency words (always, usually, often, every day) mean present simple.
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Your Progress Tracker:
- ✔️ Can you recognize finished time signals?
- ✔️ Can you form regular & irregular verbs in the past?
- ✔️ Can you make questions & negatives correctly?
- ✔️ Can you use set phrases and answer questions about your life?
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Best Practice Strategies:
✓ Listen to English stories or news and notice the tense.
✓ Tell a friend about your day in the past simple.
✓ Write a diary or journal entry about yesterday.
✓ Listen to English stories or news and notice the tense.
✓ Tell a friend about your day in the past simple.
✓ Write a diary or journal entry about yesterday.
Quick Compare:
I studied English last night. (Past)
I study English every night. (Present)
I studied English last night. (Past)
I study English every night. (Present)
Practice Exercise 6: Past Simple vs. Present Simple
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Review the instant answer key and full explanation after each choice. These questions check your ability to use time signals and avoid common mistakes.
Review & Challenge: Past Simple Mastery & Advanced Usage
Ready to master the Past Simple? Let’s review what you’ve learned, see some advanced usage, and prepare for the final quiz!
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Review: What Should You Know?
- ✔️ How to form the past simple (regular + irregular verbs)
- ✔️ Making negatives & questions (did/didn’t + base form)
- ✔️ Time signals and set phrases
- ✔️ Contrast with present simple for habits/facts
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Advanced Usage: Short Answers & Tag Questions
Did you call him? – Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
She left early, didn’t she?
Using short answers and tags makes your speech sound more natural and friendly!
Did you call him? – Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
She left early, didn’t she?
Using short answers and tags makes your speech sound more natural and friendly!
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Challenge Tip: Story Chains
Practice telling stories: Start your sentence, then add more actions with past simple.
“Yesterday I woke up late, missed my bus, bought a coffee, and finally arrived at work.”
The more you connect actions, the more fluent you sound!
Practice telling stories: Start your sentence, then add more actions with past simple.
“Yesterday I woke up late, missed my bus, bought a coffee, and finally arrived at work.”
The more you connect actions, the more fluent you sound!
33
Upgrade Your Conversation:
- Ask others about their past experiences: Did you enjoy your trip?
- Explain why something happened: I didn’t come because I was tired.
- Use linking words: Then, after that, finally
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Last-Minute Check:
• Is your verb correct for the time signal?
• Do your negatives/questions use “did/didn’t” plus base form?
• Can you tell a short story about your weekend?
Review any weak points before the quiz!
• Is your verb correct for the time signal?
• Do your negatives/questions use “did/didn’t” plus base form?
• Can you tell a short story about your weekend?
Review any weak points before the quiz!
Sample Story Chain:
“I finished work late, missed my bus, called a taxi, and finally got home at midnight.”
“I finished work late, missed my bus, called a taxi, and finally got home at midnight.”
Practice Exercise 7: Review, Advanced Usage & Conversation
Choose the best answer for each sentence. Each choice gives you instant feedback with a deep explanation. These questions will help you check your mastery and real-life fluency!
🎯 Final Past Simple Mastery Quiz (Random 10 of 30)
Test your skills! Each attempt gives you a fresh set of 10 random questions. Select an answer to get instant, detailed feedback. After finishing, review all your answers or retake for new practice!
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