Past Simple
Learn how to use the past simple, also known as the simple past. We use the past simple to talk about past actions and events.
In order to use the past simple to speak about the past we need to use the past form of the verb, or V2 as I will call it. If you don’t have a verb list, please reference our free English irregular verb list. You will see that V2 is in the second column.
Some Signal Words For The Past Simple
Below you can see some signal words that you may use with the simple past verb tense.
Last… (week, year, month, etc.)
In 1990, 1993 …..etc
Yesterday….
Past Simple Form
SUBJECT + V2
(V2 = VERB + -ED for regular verbs. For irregular verbs, please reference our irregular verb list.)
Past Simple Use
We use the past simple to describe a finished action in the PAST.
Past Simple Examples
I lived in Italy in 2001.
You worked in a bank last year.
Yesterday, I walked on the beach.
She saw him last week.
The men spoke about politics.
Important details: Download this free English lesson with exercises! Let me know if you have any questions.
Click here to start your download
Past Simple Practice and Exercises
Look at the sentences below and change them into the past tense. Then make a sentence.
Example: Walk- Walked- I walked to the store yesterday.
- listen ______ _____________________________________________
- study ______ _____________________________________________
- play ______ _____________________________________________
- work ______ _____________________________________________
- watch ______ _____________________________________________
Important details: Download this free English lesson with exercises! Let me know if you have any questions.
Click here to start your download
Now it’s time for you to use the past simple in some example sentences. Try to make some sentences using the past simple in the comment section below.
