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Past Simple

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The simple past tense is not as simple as it may seem. Here are some exercises and to help you practise it.
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Theory part 1

First, let’s learn how to construct Past Simple sentences.
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Remember did + not = didn’t Short forms are used in informal context.
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Unfortunately, you’ll have to memorise irregular verbs. I recommend this list to study: link

Exercise 1.1

Create the missing positive sentences, negative sentences or questions.
  1. ➕ She had a dog. ➖ … ❓ …
  1. ➕ … ➖ They didn’t tell me what they want. ❓ …
  1. ➕ … ➖ … ❓ Did you try to contact John?
  1. ➕ … ➖ I didn’t want to meet them. ❓ …
  1. ➕ I came alone because she didn’t want to come. ➖ … ❓ …
  1. ➕ … ➖ … ❓ Did Ann drive here?
  1. ➕ … ➖ Emma didn’t meet her parents last Sunday. ❓ …
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Exercise 1.2

Answer those questions:
  1. Did you go to a supermarket yesterday?
  1. Did you drink coffee in the morning?
  1. Did your friend call you last week?
  1. Where did you go on holiday last summer?
  1. Did you wash the dishes yesterday?
  1. Did you study English when you were a kid?
  1. Did you watch a film last Friday?
  1. Did you cook anything on Monday?
  1. Did you come late to work today?
  1. Did you finish your homework?
  1. What did you do last weekend?
  1. What did you have for breakfast on Sunday?
  1. Did you have a busy day at work last Thursday?
  1. What gift did you get for your birthday?
  1. Did you work from home 2 years ago?
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Exercise 1.3

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Do you know how to use those words in Past Simple questions? 🤔 what, when, why, where, who, how Wh- + did + Subject + infinitive Examples: Where did you go last night? How did you get here? Why did she call me? When did they come home? Who did you ask?
 
Create sentences based on those answers.
  1. I ate ice cream. (possible question: What did you eat an hour ago?)
  1. She didn’t have a car.
  1. Jack left at 3 pm.
  1. She went to the shopping mall.
  1. We got here by car.
  1. I came alone.
  1. Marie didn’t know the answer.
  1. I thought you wanted a coffee.
  1. I didn’t feed the dog.
  1. My parents didn’t let me watch TV at night.
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Exercise 1.4

Fill in the gaps and watch videos to check your answers:
A. "When I … (get) tired, I … (sleep). When I … (get) hungry, I … (eat). When I … (have) to go... you know. I … (go)." "So you just … (run).”
B. "That shield doesn't belong to you. You don't deserve it. My father … (make) that shield!”
C. "I … (not know) he was dead." "Living dead." "Shut up" "How could you not know?" "I just … (meet) him.”
E. "… what I got Tiger for Christmas? (she/tell)”
G. ""The dog is gone." "Maybe it … (run) away." "Maybe your wife … (take) it." "… (what/you/do)?" "You don't want to know.”
D. ""I'm a damn fool, right?" "No, Henry, we … (not/say) that." "… (where/you/meet) her?”
F. "He … (not/do) anything wrong.”

Theory part 2

The past form of the verb “to be” is different from all other verbs. Take a look:
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Exercise 2.1