PAST SIMPLE TENSES

Basic formSubject + Verb (past form)

Quick examples

• I was sleepy.
• He didn't learn any Italian when he was in Italy two year ago.
• I went to the cinema, bought popcorn and watched a movie.

We use the Past Simple to talk about actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions can be short or long. There can be a few actions happening one ofter another.

USES

1. Events in the past that are now finished
2. Situation in the past
3. A series of actions in the past

Use 1: Past actions that are now finished

The first use of the Past Simple to express actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions can be short or long.

• John cut his finger last week. short
• I went to college 3 years ago. long
• He ate the dinner 1 hour ago. short
• I slept well last night. long

Use 2: Situation in the past

Another use of this tense is talk about situations in the past.

• I lived in New York for 10 years (I don't live there anymore).

Use 3: A series of actions in the past

The Past Simple can also be used with a few actions in the past happening one after another.

• He entered a room, lit a cigarette and smiled at the guests.