SIMPLE PAST USE

 

When you can use Past Simple

• You use Past Simple for finished past action. Past tense is usually specified with the following words: yesterday, ago, the day before yesterday, in 2017, last week/‌month/‌year, etc.
  • They called me a minute ago.
  • She went to the park yesterday.
  • My family visited me last month.
• You use Past Simple for situations which started and finished in the past. (finished time period)
  • He taught English at primary school. /he doesn’t teach English in primary school any more ➔ finished time period/
  • We lived in New York. /we don’t live in New York any more ➔ finished time period/
  • I studied economics at university. /I don’t study at university any more ➔ finished time period/
• You use Past Simple for past state or past habit.
  • They rode bikes a lot when they were children. /past state because they are not children anymore/
  • We often relaxed in the pub after work. /past habit because we don’t relax in the pub anymore/
  • I used to like this TV series. /past habit because I don’t like this series anymore/
• You use Past Simple for past actions, which happened one after the other.
  • Emily came to the cafe, ordered a cup of coffee, and drank it with pleasure.
  • He put on his clothes, took the key, and went outside.
  • We met at the cinema and watched a movie.
• You use Past Simple in second conditional.
  • If she knew French, she would apply for this job.
  • We would buy a car if we had some money.
  • Children would play computer games if they were on holiday.
  • If Adam watched the news, we would discuss the recent events.

Time markers in Past Simple

• yesterday
• last week/‌month/‌year/‌Monday etc.
• ago
• then
• in 2016
• the day before yesterday