COMMON TIME EXPRESSIONS IN

THE PAST SIMPLE

Francisco José Valencia Gutiérrez

YESTERDAY

Similar expressions: yesterday morning, yesterday afternoon, yesterday evening, etc.

I walked to work yesterday.

Yesterday night, I slept very well.

LAST ____

Expressions with last: last night, last week, last year, etc.

Meaning: the most recent night, week, year, etc.

I went to London last year.

Last night, I didn’t watch TV.

THE ____ BEFORE ____

For example: the day before yesterday, the week before last (week), etc.

Meaning: two days before today, two weeks before this week, etc.

I saw him the day before today.

The week before last, I was ill.

THIS ____

For example: this morning, this afternoon, this evening, etc.

Meaning: an earlier time on the same day.

Susan called me this morning.

This afternoon, we didn’t have class.

___ ____ AGO

For example: one hour ago, two weeks ago, etc.

Meaning: a specific period of time in the past.

They had a baby one week ago.

One hour ago, I wasn’t here.

IN ____ / ON ____

For example: in 1950, in April, on Sunday, on April 4th .

Meaning: a specific point in the past.

We came back in April.

We came back on April 4th.

WHEN _________

For example: when I was young, when I finished school, etc.

Meaning: a specific period of time or point in the past.

We always went to England for vacation when we were young.

When he was a student, Paul played football.

FOR ________

For example: for ten years, for one week, etc.

Meaning: a period of time in the past.

Sarah worked in a bank for ten years.

For one week, he was the representative of his class.

PRACTICEDecide if the following sentences are correct or incorrect.Correct the wrong ones.1. The Second World War started on 1939.

2. I lived in Canada for three years.3. I travelled to Paris in August 10 th.4. I didn’t knew it when I called you.5. I bought it the week before last.

1. The Second World War started in 1939.2. I lived in Canada for three years.3. I travelled to Paris on August 10 th.

4. I didn’t know it when I called you5. I bought it the week before last.