Past Simple Regular and Irregular verbs

By Mauricio Ramirez

Spelling The normal rule is to add –ed. worked started If the verb ends in –e add –d. If the verb has only one syllable + one vowel

+ one consonant, double the consonant. stopped planned If the verb ends in a consonant + -y, change

the –y to ied. studied carried There are many common irregular verbs. cut, speak, read

Add only –d when the base form ends in an -e• Live lived • care cared • die died

If the verb ends in a vowel + y , do not change the y Just add – ed pray prayed stay stayed destroy destroyed

Do not double final w or  x• Sew sewed• mix mixed

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final consonant.

• ad mit’ admitted • oc cur’ occurred • per mit’ permitted

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is not  stressed, do not double the final consonant.

• hap’ pen happened • lis’ ten listened • o’ pen opened

Pronunciation rules.

If the sound is voiceless. If the sound is voiced. If the Word ends in –t or –d sound.

We use past Simple for Completed

Action in the Past

• Use the Past Simple to express a past action that is now finished. It started and finished at a specific time in the past.

• Notice the time expression that are used with the Past Simple.

• last nightlast weeklast monthlast yearlast Tuesdaylast summeryesterday

• Etc.

Examples

• I saw a movie yesterday. (Irregular) • I didn't see a play yesterday.

• Last year, I traveled to Jordan. • Last year, I didn't travel to Kuwait.

• She washed her car. • He didn't wash his car.

Form

The form of Past Simple is the same for all persons.

Positive

I

workedstoppedspoke

yesterday.

He/She/It

We

You

They

Negative

The negative of the Past Simple is formed with didn’t.

He waked.

He didn’t walk. Negative

I

didn’t (did not) arrive yesterday.

He/She/It

We

You

They

Yes/No questions

The question in the Past Simple is formed with did.

she arrived.

Question

Did

She

Arrive yesterday?

you

they

Etc.

Short answer

Short answer

Did you go to work yesterday?

Yes, I did.

Did it rain last night? No, I didn’t

Let’s practice.

1.Last year I_____________________ (go) to England on holiday.

2.I ________________________(visit) lots of interesting places. I was with two friends of mine .

3.In the mornings we_________________ (walk) in the streets of London.

4.In the evenings we____________________ (go) to pubs.

5.I ___________________ (not/study) because of the weather.

6.She__________________(bring) food for the party.

7.But we______________________ (see) some beautiful rainbows.

8.Where _______________________(spend / you) your last holiday?