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.