Intermediate 1 ESOL Grammar: The Correct Tense

The Past Simple

The Past Simple

Use the past simple: to talk about the past when an action has

been completed.

Last weekend I decided to go to Aberdeen. I travelled by train. I stayed with my sister.

The Past Simple

To form the past simple:

add –ed: stayed, walked, add –d if the verb ends in –e: decided double the last letter of some verbs:

travel/travelled, stop/stopped.

The Past Simple

Many verbs are irregular:

write - wrote go - went see - saw buy - bought take - took

There are many more. You will have to learn them!

The Past Simple

How do I ask questions?

You should use did + infinitive:

Did you see your friend yesterday? Did they arrive safely? Did I leave my book here? Did he enjoy the film last night?

The Past Simple

How do I form a negative?

You should use didn’t + infinitive:

They didn’t leave on time. I didn’t see the film. She didn’t go on holiday. You didn’t pass the test.