Simple Past Tense
Part 1: Learn the Grammar
Watch the video explaining the grammar point.
Part 2: Test Your Grammar
Now review the lesson and take the quiz.. How good is your grammar?
Simple Past Tense
Past tense verbs usually end with an -ed ending but only for affirmative sentences. For questions and negative statements we use did to express the past. See below.
(Q) Where did you work?
(A) I worked in an office.
(N) I did not work in the city.
There are three ways to pronounce the -ed ending.
-ed = /t/ Verbs ending with non voiced sound such as the following: -sh, -ch, -p, -k, -s, -t.
I washed the dishes
I walked to work.
I worked at my desk.
I talked to my friend
-ed = /d/ Verbs ending with voiced sound such as the following: -n, -y, -v, -m.
I cleaned the room.
I enjoyed the movie.
I mowed the lawn.
-ed = /id/ Verbs ending with -d or -t.
I wanted to go.
I decided to stay.
I needed to sleep.
Negative
I did not work.
I didn’t sleep much.
(did not = didn’t)
Take the Quiz
Part 3: Hear the Grammar
Listen to the grammar in the animation and natural conversation.
