There are two main questions we need to answer to understand the simple past better: "How is it formed?"; and "When to use it?". However the latter is already answered the statement above; therefore, we shall give weight now to the first question.
How is the past tense formed?
REGULAR VERBS
To form the simple past tense for regular verbs, add -ed to the base or root form of the verb.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
1. The media man (talk)_________ like a drunken
master.
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- If the verb ends in -e, add only -d.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
2. He then (stare)_________ at the old woman
across the street with pity.
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- If the verb ends in a consonant +y, change y to i then add -ed.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
3. To my surprise, he (try)_________ to cross the
street to help her.
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For irregular verbs, things may tend to get more complicated than it looks. The simple past tense of some irregular verbs looks exactly like the root form:
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
4. He (burst)_________ into tears after the attempt.
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Other forms or irregular verbs are more erratic. These verbs are the exact definition of irregular verbs because they do not have a consistent pattern in their formation.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
5. The incident (make)_________ me wonder.
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SIMPLE PAST NEGATIVE
In negative statements, use didn't or did not PLUS the base form of the verb. Fortunately, this pattern is used in both regular and irregular verbs.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
6. I (see)_________ any reason for his crying.
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However, the verb be is a different story because you would not need the auxiliary did; you only need to add not to the past tense.
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
7. He surely (was)_________ himself.
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QUESTION FORM
The formula for asking a question in the simple past tense is did + [subject] + [root form of verb].
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
8. How (know)_________ each other?
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When asking a question with the verb to be, you don’t need the auxiliary did. The formula is was/were + [subject].
YOUR TURN
Directions: Write the correct simple past tense as prompted by the given root verb to complete the sentence.
9-10 The media man and the old woman
(was)_________ out of their minds, _________
they?
Haugnes, N. and Maher, B. (2009). Northstar Reading
and Writing. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
Simple Past Tense. (2020)
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