English grammar: Past simple

What this grammar point covers

The past simple is a verb tense in English. It is used to talk about actions or situations that happened and finished in the past.

When to use it

Use the past simple for actions or events that started and finished in the past. It is also used for stories or lists of things that happened in the past.

Key forms

• Regular verbs: verb + -ed (walked, played)
• Irregular verbs: different forms (went, saw)
• Negative: did not + base verb (did not go)
• Question: Did + subject + base verb? (Did you go?)

Examples

Tips

• Remember: Use 'did' for negatives and questions, and the base form of the verb.
• Many common verbs are irregular. Their past forms are not made with -ed (for example: go → went, have → had).
• Do not use 'did' with the past form of the verb in negatives or questions.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs are irregular and do not follow the regular -ed rule.
• The verb 'to be' uses 'was' and 'were' in the past, not 'did'.