Simple Past Tense

Simple Past Tense expresses an action that occurred in past. It expresses the following type past-actions:

• An action occurred just a little while ago

Examples : 

1. I ate an apple.
2. He caught a bird in the bushes.
3. I met a friend in the market.

• An action which occurred on a regular basis in past

Examples :

1. She worked in a factory.
2. The people paid less taxes in past.
3. The Ancients believed in superstitions.

Structure of the Sentence:

Main Verb: Past simple Form (2nd form of the verb)

Note. 2nd form of the verb is only used in a positive sentence. In negative and question sentence, 1st form of the verb is used as the main verb.

Auxiliary verb: Did

Positive sentence:

• Subject + Main verb + Object
• Subject + Past simple form (or 2nd form of verb) + object

Examples:

1. I bought a laptop.
2. He applied for a job.
3. I ate my meal.
4. They played the game properly.
5. You qualified for the exam.

Negative Sentences:

• Subject + Auxiliary verb + NOT + Main verb + Object
• Subject + Did + Not + Base form (1st form of verb) + Object

Examples:

1. She did not qualify her exam.
2. He did not find any job.
3. They did not buy a car.
4. You did not eat the food.
5. Kids did not like the movie.

Interrogative Sentences:

• Auxiliary verb + Subject + Main verb + Object
• Did + Subject + Base form (1st form of a verb) + Object

Examples:

1. Did you watch that movie?
2. Did she laugh?
3. Did I call you?
4. Did they shift to their new home?
5. Did he bring his document?