Overview
The past simple tense is used for completed actions at a specific point in the past. Regular verbs add -ed (worked, played); irregular verbs have their own forms (went, saw, bought). It is the most common tense for telling stories and describing past events.
Forms
- +Regular: verb + -ed · Irregular: went, saw, took
- –did not (didn't) + base verb (all persons)
- ?Did + subject + base verb?
- ✓Yes, I did. / No, she didn't.
Regular -ed Spelling
- Most verbs: add -ed → walked, played
- Silent -e: add -d → liked, moved
- Short vowel + consonant: double → stopped, planned
- Consonant + y: -y → -ied → studied, tried
Common Mistakes
- ❌ He didn't went → ✅ He didn't go
- ❌ Did she played? → ✅ Did she play?
- ❌ I buyed a car → ✅ I bought a car
When to use
Completed Actions
She finished her homework.
Past Narratives
He opened the door and walked in.
Specific Past Time
I called you at 6 p.m.
Past Habits
We always ate dinner together.