Simple Past

The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the middle of another action. Form of Simple Past   Positive Negative Question no differences I spoke. I did not speak. Did I speak? For irregular verbs, use the past form (see list of irregular verbs, 2nd column). For regular verbs, just add “ed”. Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’ Exceptions in spelling when adding ed Example after a final e only add d love – loved final consonant after a short, stressed vowelor l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled admit – admittedtravel – travelled final y after a consonant becomes i hurry – hurried Use of Simple Past action in the past taking place once, never or several times Example: He visited his parents every weekend. actions in the past taking place one after the other Example: He came in, took off his coat and sat down. action in the past taking place in the middle of another action Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang. if sentences type II (If I talked, …) Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you. Signal Words of Simple Past yesterday, 2 minutes ago, in 1990, the other day, last Friday