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
go
see
buy
take
- wrote
- went
- saw
- bought
- 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.