A1-A2 grammar reference
Past Simple
Use the past simple to place an event, state, or sequence in a finished past time. The time may be stated directly or simply understood from the conversation.
Form at a glance
Affirmative: subject + past form Negative/question: did + base verb
When to use it
- A completed event:
We arrived at six.
- A sequence in a story:
She opened the letter, read it, and smiled.
- A past state or habit:
I lived near the coast as a child.
- A finished time period:
He called twice last week.
Sentence patterns
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + past form | Nina bought a new coat. |
| Negative | S + did not + base verb | Nina did not buy the boots. |
| Question | Did + S + base verb? | Did Nina pay by card? |
| With be | S + was/were | The shop was crowded. |
Compare the meaning
Past simple
Completed in finished past time: I worked there in 2020.
Present perfect
Past connected to now, without a finished time: I have worked there before.
Common mistakes
- After did or didn't, use the base verb:
Did you go?
, notDid you went?
- Learn irregular forms such as went, saw, took, and made.
- Use was/were directly with nouns and adjectives:
They were tired
, notThey did be tired.
Nuance and natural usage
- The past simple can describe politeness or distance rather than past time:
I wanted to ask you something.
- Used to or would can make repeated past habits more explicit, but the past simple often works when the context is clear.