Past simple regular actions
The past simple describes a completed past event. Most regular verbs add -ed: play → played, look → looked, help → helped. The form is the same for all subjects.
Useful spelling patterns include live → lived, stop → stopped, study → studied. The endings sound different in speech, but the written ending stays -ed.
For an ordinary past question use plus base verb: Negation uses plus base verb: . Keep past in its own question pattern.
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Describe a completed past action. | ||
| Describe a completed past action. | ||
| Describe help given in the past. | ||
| Describe help given in the past. | ||
| Describe a past search. | ||
| Describe a past search. | ||
| Ask about a past action. | ||
| Ask about a past action. | ||
| Negate an ordinary past action. | ||
| Negate an ordinary past action. | ||
| Use the correct regular-past spelling. | ||
| Use the correct regular-past spelling. | ||
Jack played yesterday.Describe a completed past action.
I helped at the stall.Describe help given in the past.
We looked for Milo.Describe a past search.
Did you help?Ask about a past action.
I didn’t help.Negate an ordinary past action.
The music stopped.Use the correct regular-past spelling.
Practice 1/6 · Finding words
Notice the patterns
Tap the form described in this unit.
.
Describe a completed past action.
.
Describe help given in the past.
.
Describe a past search.
?
Ask about a past action.
.
Negate an ordinary past action.
.
Use the correct regular-past spelling.
Practice 2/6 · The right form
Choose the form
Choose the right word for the gap.
Jack yesterday.
Describe a completed past action.
I at the stall.
Describe help given in the past.
We for Milo.
Describe a past search.
you help?
Ask about a past action.
I didn’t .
Negate an ordinary past action.
The music .
Use the correct regular-past spelling.
Practice 3/6 · Fill the gaps
Complete a short message
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Jack yesterday.
Describe a completed past action.
I at the stall.
Describe help given in the past.
We for Milo.
Describe a past search.
you help?
Ask about a past action.
I didn’t .
Negate an ordinary past action.
The music .
Use the correct regular-past spelling.
Practice 4/6 · Building sentences
Build useful sentences
Put the words in order.
Describe a completed past action.
Describe help given in the past.
Describe a past search.
Ask about a past action.
Negate an ordinary past action.
Use the correct regular-past spelling.
Practice 5/6 · In situations
What would you say?
Choose the right words for the situation.
Describe a completed past action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe a completed past action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe help given in the past.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe help given in the past.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe a past search.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe a past search.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Ask about a past action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Ask about a past action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Practice 6/6 · Matching
Connect messages and meanings
Match the pairs.
Unit complete
