Simple Past

Definition

The Simple Past Tense describes actions that began and ended in the past. It is used to talk about events that happened at a specific time and are now finished.

Formula: Subject + Verb (Past Form / V2) + Object
Tip: Regular verbs take -ed in the past (e.g., play → played), while irregular verbs have unique forms (go → went, see → saw).
Uses of Simple Past Tense
# Use Description Examples
1 Completed Actions To talk about something that happened and finished in the past. I watched a movie yesterday.
She visited her grandmother last week.
2 Series of Past Actions To list actions that happened one after another. He woke up, brushed his teeth, and went to work.
3 Duration in the Past To describe how long something lasted in the past. They lived in London for five years.
I studied English for two months.
Sentence Structures

Positive Structure

Subject + Verb (Past Form) + Object
Examples:

1) She went to school.

2) I played football yesterday.

3) They visited the museum last Sunday.

Negative Structure

Subject + did not (didn’t) + Verb (base form) + Object
Examples:

1) She didn’t go to school.

2) I didn’t play football yesterday.

3) They didn’t visit the museum last Sunday.

Interrogative Structure

Did + Subject + Verb (base form) + Object?
Examples:

1) Did she go to school?

2) Did you play football yesterday?

3) Did they visit the museum last Sunday?

Negative Interrogative Structure

Didn’t + Subject + Verb (base form) + Object?
Examples:

1) Didn’t she go to school?

2) Didn’t you play football yesterday?

3) Didn’t they visit the museum last Sunday?

Common Signal Words

Here are a few signal words often used with the Simple Past Tense:

  • yesterday
  • last night
  • ago
  • in 2020
  • when I was a child
Examples in Context
  • 1) I finished my project yesterday. (Positive)
  • 2) She didn’t watch TV last night. (Negative)
  • 3) Did you visit your parents last weekend? (Interrogative)
  • 4) Didn’t they arrive on time yesterday? (Negative Interrogative)
  • 5) We went to the park two days ago. (Positive)
  • 6) I didn’t eat breakfast this morning. (Negative)
  • 7) Did he finish his homework last night? (Interrogative)
  • 8) Didn’t you call her yesterday? (Negative Interrogative)
  • 9) They played football yesterday evening. (Positive)
  • 10) He didn’t go to the gym yesterday. (Negative)
  • 11) Did your parents travel two years ago? (Interrogative)
  • 12) Didn’t she see the movie last weekend? (Negative Interrogative)
  • 13) We met our teacher yesterday. (Positive)
  • 14) I didn’t understand the lesson yesterday. (Negative)
  • 15) Did you cook dinner last night? (Interrogative)
Past Simple Worksheet

Past Simple Worksheet

Fill in the blanks (10 marks)

Use the correct form of Past Simple.
1. She ______ (visit) her aunt yesterday.
2. They ______ (play) football last evening.
3. I ______ (finish) my homework.
4. He ______ (buy) a new bag.
5. We ______ (watch) a movie.
6. She ______ (cook) dinner.
7. They ______ (arrive) late.
8. I ______ (meet) my friend.
9. He ______ (lose) his keys.
10. We ______ (enjoy) the trip.

True / False (6 marks)

Decide True or False.
11. Past Simple is used for completed actions.
12. It often uses time words like yesterday or last night.
13. Regular verbs end with -ing in Past Simple.
14. Irregular verbs change their form.
15. Past Simple actions are connected to the present.
16. Did is used to form questions.

Sentence Transformation (10 marks)

Transform as instructed.
17. She visited her cousin. →Negative
18. They played cricket. →Interrogative
19. He finished the work. →Negative
20. I watched the show. →Interrogative
21. We visited Lahore. →Negative
22. She wrote a letter. →Interrogative
23. They cleaned the room. →Negative
24. He bought a phone. →Interrogative
25. I met the teacher. →Negative
26. We enjoyed the match. →Interrogative

Sentence Correction (4 marks)

Correct the sentences.
27. She go to school yesterday.
28. He did went home.
29. They plays football last night.
30. I buyed a new book.