In the Past
Past Simple
Use the past simple for activities which took place at a specified time in the past. This specific time is often stated through the use of a time expression such as 'ago'. However, the past simple is also used when the past time is understood from the context. All subjects take the same conjugation of the verb in the positive form. Negative and questions take the auxiliary verb 'did'. Regular verbs end in '-ed'.
visit - visited
want - wanted
Irregular verbs have various forms that must be memorized. There are often patterns that can be memorized, but there are no specific rules.
buy - bought
have - had
Example:
We cleaned the restroom last night.
Jason didn't pick anything from the menu at lunch.
They surveyed the guest's satisfaction last summer.
How did they pay for the marketing?
Positive Form:
Subject + past conjugation + (object(s)) + time expression
Jason visited the art expositions on Broadway last weekend.
Negative Form:
Subject + did + not + verb + (object(s)) + time expression
The primary supervisor didn't give him a raise last quarter.
Question Form:
(Question Word) + did + subject + verb + (object(s)) + time expression?
When did they call room service for dinner last night?
The past form of regular verbs ends in '-ed'. Irregular verbs must be studied individually. Here is a list of some of the most common irregular verbs.
Time Expressions Often Used in the Past
last - Use when speaking about the previous week, month or year
yesterday - Use when speaking about the previous day
ago - Use when speaking about X days, weeks, months, years before the present moment in time. 'Ago' always follows the number of days, weeks, months or years
in - Use when specifying years or months
when - Use in combination with another clause
Example:
The food service line supervisors met in the conference room two hours ago. The condominium sold last week. They trained in tracking and reporting techniques six months ago. The housekeeper cleaned the bedrooms ten minutes ago.