Uses of the simple Past tense
Simple Past Tense
| Form | Subject + Verb2 + Object |
|---|---|
| Use (1) | It is used for actions completed in the past at a definite time. |
| Examples | I studied English two years a go. He passed the exam yesterday. They ate lunch an hour a go. |
| Use (1.1) | It is used with yesterday — last week/ month etc. — in 1950 etc. — ... ago etc. |
| Examples | I met him yesterday. She visited her uncle last week. My grandfather died in 1990. I went back home 3 hours a go. |
| Use (3) | It is used for a past habit with adverbs or adverb phrases such as: usually, always, rarely, never, often, sometimes, occasionally, every week, on Mondays, twice a year etc. |
| Examples | She always forgot her homework. I never went to the cinema. She rarely got up at 6 a.m.. They always drank tea at night. |
| Use (4) | It is used in conditonal type 2. |
| Examples | If I had money, I would buy a phone. I would take some pictures if I brought my camera. If I learnt English, I would speak with foreign people. I would play football with my friends if I had a ball. |
| Use (5) | It is used with expresions like I wish ... — it's time — I'd rather . |
| Examples | I wish I spoke three languages. It's time I met Mostapha. I'd rather you went back home early. |
👉 Verb to be in the simple past
👉 Verb to do in the simple past
👉 Verb to have in the simple past