A2 · Lesson 19 · 20 min
Past simple: be and regular verbs
In this lesson
- I can use was and were to describe a finished time in the past.
- I can use regular past verbs with -ed and finished-time markers.
Grammar in context
On Saturday, Maya was at a small food market with her cousin. They walked around the stalls, watched a musician and talked to the sellers. At 4 o'clock, they walked home.
Which words show that Maya's visit is finished, not happening now?
Was and were
Use was and were for people, places and feelings at a finished time. Use was with I, he, she and it. Use were with you, we and they. Yesterday and last week often show a completed past time.
- I was tired after the concert.
- They were at the library yesterday.
Regular past verbs
For many regular verbs, add -ed to talk about a completed action: walk becomes walked. After e, add only -d: live becomes lived. For verbs ending in consonant + y, change y to i and add -ed: study becomes studied.
- Noah cleaned his bike on Sunday.
- We studied English last night.
Negatives and questions
Use did not or didn't plus the base verb for regular-verb negatives. Use Did plus the subject and base verb for questions. Do not use did with was or were: say Was she late? or Were they ready?
- Lina didn't visit her aunt yesterday.
- Did you watch the film last Friday?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
We was at the station yesterday.
Use
We were at the station yesterday.
Use were with we, you and they.
Avoid
Did Omar played football yesterday?
Use
Did Omar play football yesterday?
After did, use the base verb, not -ed.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.