Simple past

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.

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. 

Questions and negatives

With the verb did (do in the past) + the infinitive.

Did you pass?
You didn't fail, did you?
Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.

 

In this site tthere is a list of irregular verbs
Exercises