The past simple
Regular Verbs in Past Simple
put -ED at the end of the verb
dance - danced
Irregular Verbs in Past Simple
we use the past simple form of the verb
go - went
Differences between Past Simple and Present Perfect
Use the simple past when the action started in the past, finished in the past, and is not continuing now. Use the present perfect when the action started in the past and is continuing now.
The sun has risen. (Present perfect: We know that the sun already rose, and it is still in the sky now.)
The sun rose at 6:00 am. (Simple Past: We know that the sun came up at a time in the past and it is not rising now. The sun may or may not be in the sky when this statement is made. The time is important to add.)
helper words
yesterday
Yesterday we played the guitar
two days ago
She launched a new product 3 years ago
a long time ago
the other day
lst year
in 2017
Ways to use
Facts from the past
The Second World War began on 1st September, 1939.
An event from the past that happened once
My family bought a car.
Events that have happened several times in the past
When Bob was little, he played the guitar every day.
Several consecutive events in the past. For example, retelling a story
Mary made a cup of coffee, dressed up and picked up a phone.
Conditions in the past
Bob and Mary were friends before.
Habits from the past
Mary always visited museum on Fridays.
In conditional sentences of the second type after the words when, after, before, if, unless
If Bob had more courage, he would invite Mary for a date.
With the expressions it’s time (it’s time) and it’s high time (it’s high time). Past Simple describes not a situation in the past, but something in the present or future
It’s time Bob invited Mary for a date.
With the expression I wish (how I would like) and If only (if only) to express regret or dream
I wish I spoke English.