Simple past tense and how to use in IELTS exam

The past simple tense is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. It is often used to describe past events or to talk about past habits. The past simple tense is formed by adding -ed to regular verbs or by using the second form of irregular verbs.

For example:

• I walked to the store. (regular verb: walk – past simple: walked)
• She worked late last night. (regular verb: work – past simple: worked)
• He went to bed early. (irregular verb: go – past simple: went)
• We ate dinner at a restaurant. (irregular verb: eat – past simple: ate)

It is important to note that the past simple tense is used to describe actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, not actions that are ongoing or still happening.

For example, if you want to describe something that you were doing yesterday, you would use the past simple tense. However, if you want to describe something that you are currently doing, you would use the present simple tense.

For example:

• Yesterday, I walked to the store. (correct)
• I walk to the store every day. (incorrect – should be “I walk to the store every day.”)

Simple Past Tense: Rules And Examples

Here are a few rules and examples of the past simple tense:

1. Regular verbs: To form the past simple tense of regular verbs, add -ed to the base form of the verb. For example:

• walk + ed = walked
• work + ed = worked
• play + ed = played

2. Irregular verbs: Some verbs are irregular and do not follow the regular pattern for forming the past simple tense. These verbs have a different form in the past simple tense. Here are a few examples:

• go = went
• eat = ate
• see = saw
• come = came

3. Negative form: To make a sentence negative in the past simple tense, add “did not” or “didn’t” before the base form of the verb. For example:

• I didn’t walk to the store.
• She didn’t work late last night.
• He didn’t go to bed early.
• We didn’t eat dinner at a restaurant.

4. Question form: To form a question in the past simple tense, add “did” before the subject and use the base form of the verb. For example:

• Did you walk to the store?
• Did she work late last night?
• Did he go to bed early?
• Did we eat dinner at a restaurant?

How to use past simple tense in IELTS exam?

In the IELTS exam, you may be asked to use the past simple tense in the speaking and writing sections. In the speaking section, you may be asked to describe past events or experiences, or to talk about your past habits and routines. In these cases, it is important to use the past simple tense correctly to demonstrate your knowledge of English grammar.

Here are a few tips for using the past simple tense in the IELTS exam:

1. Use the past simple tense to describe past events or experiences:

• I visited my grandmother last weekend. (correct)
• I visit my grandmother every weekend. (incorrect – should be “I visit my grandmother every weekend.”)

2. Use the past simple tense to talk about past habits and routines:

• I used to play soccer every Saturday. (correct)
• I play soccer every Saturday. (incorrect – should be “I play soccer every Saturday.”)

3. Use the past simple tense to describe completed actions in the past:

• I finished my homework before dinner. (correct)
• I am finishing my homework now. (incorrect – should be “I am finishing my homework now.”)

4. Pay attention to verb tense consistency: If you start a sentence or paragraph using the past simple tense, make sure to use the past simple tense consistently throughout that sentence or paragraph.

I hope these tips are helpful! Remember to practice using the past simple tense in your speaking and writing to improve your grammar skills and increase your chances of success on the IELTS exam.

simple past tense worksheet pdf with answers

Here is a simple past tense worksheet that you can use to practice using the past simple tense

I hope this worksheet is helpful for you! Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.