1.1.1 Experiencias

Simple Past (Past Simple)

The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the middle of another action.

Form of Simple Past

 

Positive

Negative

Question

no differences    

I spoke.     

I did not speak.    

Did I speak?     

For irregular verbs, use the past form (see list of irregular verbs, 2nd column). For regular verbs, just add “ed”.

Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’

Exceptions in spelling when adding ed

Example

after a final e only add d

love – loved

final consonant after a short, stressed vowel
or l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled     

admit – admitted    
travel – travelled

final y after a consonant becomes i

hurry – hurried

Use of Simple Past

  • action in the past taking place once, never or several times

Example: He visited his parents every weekend.

  • actions in the past taking place one after the other

Example: He came in, took off his coat and sat down.

  • action in the past taking place in the middle of another action

Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.

  • if sentences type II (If I talked, …)

Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you.