SIMPLE PAST TENSE
This post includes detailed expressions about simple past tense and its structures in english. Please follow the list about Structure of Simple Past Tense;
The tenses simply show the time of an action.
Simple Past Tense indicates an action which is completed at a definite time in the past.
The Structures of Simple Past Tense
POSITIVE FORM (+):
- Subject + V2 ( Second Form of Verb )
NEGATIVE FORM (-):
- Subject + did not + V1 ( First Form of Verb )
QUESTION FORM (?):
- Did + Subject + V1 ( First Form of Verb )
SHORT ANSWER FORM ( + / – ) :
- YES / NO + Subject + did / did not (didn’t)
| POSITIVE (+) | NEGATIVE (-) | QUESTION (?) |
|---|---|---|
| I started | I did not (didn’t) start | Did I start |
| You started | You did not (didn’t) start | Did you start |
| He started | He did not (didn’t) start | Did he start |
| She started | She did not (didn’t) start | Did she start |
| It started | It did not (didn’t) start | Did it start |
| We started | We did not (didn’t) start | Did we start |
| You started | You did not (didn’t) start | Did you start |
| They started | They did not (didn’t) start | Did they start |
ATTENTION! Any auxiliary verbs aren’t used in positive sentences and the second form of the verb is used. ‘ Did or did not’ is used as a auxiliary verb in negative and question sentences and the verb remains simple.
Positive Sentences ( Sbj + V2)
Examples:
- We watched the news last night.
- They went to the party yesterday.
- She read the book.
- He drew beautiful pictures last week.
- I learnt Spanish last summer.
- You gave the present to your friend.
- We bought a new car.
Negative Sentences ( Sbj + did not + V1)
Examples:
- We did not (didn’t) watch the news last night.
- They did not (didn’t) go to the party yesterday.
- She did not (didn’t) read the book.
- He did not (didn’t) draw beautiful pictures last week.
- I did not (didn’t) learn Spanish last summer.
- You did not (didn’t) give the present to your friend.
- We did not (didn’t) buy a new car.
Question Sentences ( Did + Sbj + V1)
Examples:
- Did we watch the news last night?
- Did they go to the party yesterday?
- Did she read the book?
- Did he draw beautiful pictures last week?
- Did I learn Spanish last summer?
- Did you give the present to your friend?
- Did we buy a new car?
NOTE:
We also use a question word (Who, What, Why etc.) in past tense.
1)
Question Words (who, what, why, etc.) + did + subject pronoun ( he, she, it, I, you, we, they) + V1 ( First Form of Verb )
Examples:
- Where did you stay last night?
- When did she go to the school?
- Why did she cry?
OR
2)
Question Words (who, what, why, etc.) + V2 ( Second Form of Verb )+ object pronouns ( me, you, him, her,it, us, them)
Examples:
- Who gave you this gift?
- What made you angry?
