Simple Past Tense

by Yogi P - September 30, 2023

Simple Past Tense – Definition, Structure, Rules, Uses, and Examples

Were you recently asked what you did yesterday? You would definitely know that you should use the simple past tense to answer a question of this nature. Maybe this article on the simple past tense can help you learn how to use the tense accurately. This article discusses the definition of the simple past tense, its structure, uses, and rules, along with examples and practice questions to help you understand well.

The Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is used in a sentence to describe an action that took place in the past.

Definition of Simple Past Tense

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the simple past tense form of the verb in a sentence is defined as “the tense used to refer to events, actions, and conditions that happened in the past.” It uses the past form of the verb, as in ‘I traveled to France last year’ and ‘She started a new job.’

Structure of the Simple Past Tense

The structure of the simple past tense can be understood by analyzing the positive, negative, interrogative, and negative interrogative forms of the tense.

Structure of Simple Past Tense

Positive	Negative	Interrogative	Negative Interrogative
Subject + Second form of verb (Past form of the verb)	Subject + did not + First form of verb (Base form of the verb)	Did + Subject + First form of verb (Base form of the verb)	Did not + Subject + First form of verb (Base form of the verb)
You looked beautiful.	You did not look beautiful.	Did you look beautiful?	Did you not look beautiful?
They played football.	She did not speak Spanish.	Did he enjoy music?	Did she not read books?

Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Simple Past Tense

In order to use the simple past tense accurately and effectively, remember that the sentence usually uses the past form of the verb.

What Do You Use the Simple Past Tense For?

The past tense can be used for various purposes:

Used to express completed actions in the past.
Used to express past facts or generalizations.
Used to express actions in a past time period.

Forming the Simple Past Tense – Examples

Expressing Completed Actions:

I thought I went to the party last weekend.
They booked the tickets in advance.

Expressing Past Facts or Generalizations:

The sun rose in the east.
Water boiled at 100 degrees Celsius.

Expressing Actions in a Past Time Period:

We met at 6 PM yesterday.
Sarah traveled to London often.

Frequently Asked Questions on Simple Past Tense

Q1. What is the definition of simple past tense?

The simple past tense form of the verb in a sentence refers to events, actions, and conditions that happened in the past. It uses the past form of the verb.

Q2.What is the formula of the simple past tense?

The basic formula of a positive sentence using the simple past tense is: Subject + Past form of the verb + the rest of the sentence.

Q3. Give some examples of the simple past tense.

I had dinner at 8 PM.
Did you join us for the meeting?
They did not attend the conference.

Q4. How is the Simple Past Tense formed?

The simple past tense is formed using the past form of a verb.

Q5. Can Simple Past Tense express completed actions?

Yes, the simple past tense can express completed or finished actions. For example, “I read a book.”

Q6. How do we form negative sentences in Simple Past Tense?

Negative sentences in the simple past tense can be formed by adding “did not” before the base form of the verb.

Q7. How is a question framed in the Simple Past Tense?

A question in the simple past tense can be framed by placing “did” before the subject.

Q8. How is the Simple Past Tense used for past facts or generalizations?

For past facts or generalizations, the simple past tense uses the past form of the verb. For example, “The Earth revolved around the Sun.”

Q9. How is the Simple Past Tense used for actions in a past time period?

The simple past tense expresses actions in a past time period by using the past form of the verb. For example, “She loved ice cream.”

Q10. Is the Simple Past Tense used for completed actions?

Yes, the simple past tense is used to express completed actions. For example, “I walked to school yesterday.”

Multiple-choice questions based on the Simple Past Tense

Q1. What is the Simple Past Tense used to describe?

a) Future actions
b) Ongoing actions
c) Actions that took place in the past
d) Present actions

Answer: c) Actions that took place in the past

Q2. How is a negative sentence formed in the Simple Past Tense?

a) By adding “not” before the verb
b) By adding “did not” before the base form of the verb
c) By removing the verb
d) None of the above

Answer: b) By adding “did not” before the base form of the verb

Q3. Which sentence is in the Simple Past Tense?

a) They play football.
b) They will play football.
c) They played football.
d) They are playing football.

Answer: c) They played football.

Q4. What does the sentence “She did not attend the party” express in the Simple Past Tense?

a) Promise
b) Refusal
c) Offer
d) Doubt

Answer: b) Refusal

Q5. To form a question in the Simple Past Tense, where should “did” be placed in the sentence?

a) After the subject
b) Before the subject
c) At the end of the sentence
d) After the verb

Answer: b) Before the subject

Q6. Which of the following sentences is in the Simple Past Tense?

a) She is singing a song.
b) She sang a song.
c) She sings a song.
d) She will sing a song.

Answer: b) She sang a song.

Q7. In the sentence “They did not play basketball,” what makes the sentence negative in the Simple Past Tense?

a) The word “they”
b) The word “did not”
c) The word “play”
d) The word “basketball”

Answer: b) The word “did not”

Q8. Which sentence expresses a completed action in the Simple Past Tense?

a) They are going to the school.
b) They went to the school.
c) They go to the school every day.
d) They will go to the school.

Answer: b) They went to the school.

Q9. How do you form a question in the Simple Past Tense?

a) Adding “did” at the beginning of the sentence.
b) Adding “does” or “do” at the beginning of the sentence.
c) Adding “will” at the beginning of the sentence.
d) Adding “is” at the beginning of the sentence.

Answer: a) Adding “did” at the beginning of the sentence.

Q10. Which sentence is an example of expressing past facts or generalizations in the Simple Past Tense?

a) The Earth revolves around the Sun.
b) The Earth revolved around the Sun.
c) The Earth is revolving around the Sun.
d) The Earth will revolve around the Sun.

Answer: b) The Earth revolved around the Sun.

Fill in the blanks

1. The Simple Past Tense is used to describe actions that took place in the ________.

2. A negative sentence in the Simple Past Tense is formed by adding “______” before the base form of the verb.

3. In the sentence “They _______ football,” the Simple Past Tense form of play is used to show the action took place in the past.

4. To form a question in the Simple Past Tense, “______” should be placed before the subject.

5. In the sentence, “She did not attend the party,” the word “______” makes the sentence negative in the Simple Past Tense.

6. The sentence “They went to the school” expresses a ________ action in the Simple Past Tense.

7. The sentence “He _______ a book” is in the Simple Past Tense when the blank is filled with the past form of read.

8. The Simple Past Tense is used for stating actions that were ________ at a specific time in the past.

9. “______” is placed at the beginning of the sentence to form a question in the Simple Past Tense.

10. The sentence “The Earth _______ around the Sun” is in the Simple Past Tense, showing a past fact or generalization when the blank is filled with the past form of revolve.

Answers: 1. past, 2. did not, 3. played, 4. did, 5. did not, 6. completed, 7. read, 8. completed, 9. Did, 10. revolved