The past simple
Form
Regular verbs add : . Spelling: (double the consonant), (), (just ). Irregular verbs must be learned individually — see Appendix [app:irregular]: .
Negatives and questions use + base verb, for all persons:
| Statement | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
After , use the base verb, never the past form: \(\to\) \(\to\)
Pronunciation of
/t/ after voiceless sounds:
/d/ after voiced sounds:
/id/ (extra syllable) only after /t/ or /d/:
Uses
Completed actions at a finished time:
Sequences in stories:
Past habits and states:
Typical time markers: .
and for past habits
+ base verb: past habits and states that are no longer true —
Negative and question: ,
+ base verb: repeated past actions in nostalgic narrative (not states) — \(\to\)
Do not confuse (past habit) with (= be/become accustomed to): (past habit) vs. (it is normal for me now).
The past progressive
Form: + . It sets the scene and describes actions in progress at a past moment:
Interrupted action: (long background action in progressive; short interrupting action in past simple)
Parallel actions:
Past simple = completed events that move the story forward. Past progressive = the background scenery around those events.
Talking about the future
English has no single future tense; it chooses among several forms according to meaning.
+ base verb
Predictions and beliefs:
Instant decisions made at the moment of speaking:
Promises, offers, threats:
Facts about the future:
+ base verb
Prior intentions and plans:
Predictions based on present evidence:
Present progressive and present simple for the future
Present progressive: fixed arrangements, typically with a time and other people involved —
Present simple: timetables and schedules —
Decision made now \(\to\) . Decision made before now \(\to\) or present progressive. vs.
survives mainly in offers and suggestions with in British English: As a plain future () it now sounds formal or old-fashioned.
Exercises
Past simple forms Give the past simple of:
Past simple or past progressive? Choose the correct form.
When the fire alarm (rang / was ringing), everyone (left / was leaving) the building calmly.
I (found / was finding) this wallet while I (walked / was walking) the dog.
She (didn’t hear / wasn’t hearing) the doorbell because she (listened / was listening) to music.
What (did you do / were you doing) at 10 p.m. last night?
Future forms Choose the most natural form: , , present progressive, or present simple.
“There’s no sugar left.” “Oh, I
(get) some from the shop.”
Watch out! You
(drop) that tray!
We
(fly) to Osaka on the 14th — the tickets are booked.
The conference
(begin) at 9 a.m. sharp, according to the programme.
I’m sure you
(pass) the exam.
used to Rewrite using or as appropriate.
In the past, I drank coffee every morning; now I don’t.
Night shifts are normal for her; they don’t bother her.
There was a bakery on this corner years ago.