We use the simple past tense to describe completed actions at a point in time in the past
REGULAR VERBS
Subj + verb+ED
_ Yesterday, I finished work at 10pm.
NEGATIVE / Subj + DID NOT /DIDN’T + verb
_ Last Friday, I didn’t finish work until 8pm.
IRREGULAR VERBS
Subj + verb in past
_ II went home after work.
NEGATIVE / Subj + DID NOT /DIDN’T + verb
I didn’t go home until much later
Part 2 Questions
We can use this tense to give a list of actions. We sometimes use a pattern of 3, if it is the
same person doing the actions, as it has a nice rhythm.
I did A, did B and then did C
Q: Describe a great meal you once had
A:
We went to the restaurant,
ordered the house specials,
and then asked for some drinks
Q: Describe a time you got lost
A:
I walked down the street,
turned left
and then realised I was lost
We often use the simple past together with the past continuous
I did A when/whilst I was doing B
Q: Describe an interesting person you have met
A:
I once met an Australian guy
whilst I was travelling on a train through Europe
he had blonde hair
and looked a bit strange…