English Grammar: Past Simple Formation and Usage

Sentence Formation

• The past simple of regular verbs is formed by adding -ed to the base form of the verb:
  • Base form: walk
  • Past simple: walked
• If the verb ends in -e, only add -d:
  • Base form: love
  • Past simple: loved
• If the verb ends in a consonant + -y, change the -y to -i and add -ed:
  • Base form: try
  • Past simple: tried
• If the verb ends in a vowel + -y, just add -ed:
  • Base form: play
  • Past simple: played

Past Simple Usage

• The past simple is used to describe:
  • Completed actions in the past:
    • I went to the park yesterday.
  • Specific times or dates in the past:
    • I graduated in 2010.
  • Past habits or routines:
    • I used to walk to school when I was a kid.
  • Past states or conditions:
    • I was tired yesterday.
• The past simple can be used with:
  • Time expressions: yesterday, last week, ago, etc.
  • Adverbs: quickly, slowly, loudly, etc.
  • Other verbs: I helped my friend, who was moving house.

Sentence Formation

• The past simple of regular verbs is formed by adding -ed to the base form.
• Verbs ending in -e only add -d.
• Verbs ending in consonant + -y change the -y to -i and add -ed.
• Verbs ending in vowel + -y just add -ed.

Past Simple Usage

• The past simple describes completed actions in the past.
• It is used to talk about specific times or dates in the past.
• The past simple is used to describe past habits or routines.
• It is used to describe past states or conditions.
• The past simple can be used with time expressions like yesterday, last week, ago, etc.
• It can be used with adverbs like quickly, slowly, loudly, etc.
• The past simple can be used with other verbs to describe multiple actions.