What are Simple Past Verbs?

Simple Past Verbs consists of one word only. For normal regular verbs, add –ed to the basic verb form. (In this tense, we do not use –s after he, she, it, etc.)

Irregular Verbs have special simple past forms: e.g. the past of speak is spoke. Refer to the list of irregular verbs below.
Special note: was and were are the simple past of is and are.



Common Mistakes in forming the Simple Past.

a. Samantha is met the teacher yesterday
b. Samantha was met the teacher yesterday
c. Samantha has meeting the teacher yesterday

Corrected Sentence: Samantha met the teacher yesterday.

When Do We Use Simple Past?

The simple past is the normal tense for past actions. Use simple past if you want to talk about a finished action or situation, and have no reason to use one of the other ‘special’ past tenses. REMEMBER that we do not use the simple past for general truths. For this we only use simple present.

1. Verbs ending consonant + -y get –ies
For examples;
= to try - she tries
= to fly – it flies

2. If longer verbs end with a single, stressed vowel + consonant, the consonant is doubled:
For examples;
= to admit - we admitted
= to stress – they stressed

3. Exception: “L” is doubled - regardless of stress
For examples;
= to cancel - cancelled
= to roll - rolled

Irregular verbs have unpredictable forms. Irregular verbs do not have –ed forms.



Now,here is an exercise for you to do.

Complete the sentences below. Use the correct form of the words in the list given. Please write your answers in the comment box provided. Marks will be given for participation. Enjoy!