Simple Past Tense Formula
We use the simple past tense formula or structure to make sentences in the simple past tense. We will see the simple past tense formula for the following four types of sentences:
- Affirmative
- Negative
- Questions/ Interrogative
- Interrogative negative
| Simple Past Tense Formula And Examples | ||
| Affirmative | Subject + V2 + object | I went to the park. |
| Negative | Subject + did not/ didn’t + V1 + object | I did not go to the park. / I didn't go to the park. |
| Questions/ Interrogative | Did + subject + V1 + object? | Did you go to the park? |
| Interrogative negative | Did + subject + not + V1 + object? / Didn’t + subject + V1 + object? | Did you not go to the park? / Didn't you go to the park? |
What is Simple Past Tense?
Simple Past Tense is the tense we use when we talk about an action or event that started and finished in the past time. It is basically a completed activity. So, we can use simple past tense whenever we want to talk about or express a completed action.
How to use the Simple Past Tense?
Simple past or past simple tense is also known as the past indefinite tense. We have already discussed it in detail. You can learn everything about past simple (past indefinite tense) here!
We have four different formulas (structures) to make four different types of sentences in simple past. Let’s understand them one by one with examples.
Simple Past Formula For Affirmative Sentences
Sentence structure/formula: Subject + V2 (Past form of verb) + object
Note: We use the past form of the verb in simple past tense affirmative sentences. You must know the past form of the verbs while making simple past affirmative sentences. Otherwise, you will make mistakes even if you know the simple past tense formula.
Examples of past simple affirmative sentences
- I called him this morning.
- We bought a new house.
- She told me the truth.
- We went shopping yesterday.
- Jennifer and John got married.
- She got a new job last month.
- They found their missing dog.
- He died in a car accident in 2016.
- Her sister served in the army for 10 years.
- I lost my wallet on the way to the airport last week.
Simple Past Tense Formula For Negative Sentences
Sentence structure/formula: Subject + did not + V1 + object
Note: We use the helping verb “did” and “not” and present verb form for simple past negative sentences.
We usually use “didn’t,” the contracted form of “did not,” while making past simple negative sentences. But, you should avoid using it while having a formal discussion. Also, avoid using it when writing academic papers or corporate emails.
Examples of past simple negative sentences
- I didn’t call him this morning.
- We didn’t buy a new house.
- She didn’t tell me the truth.
- We didn’t go shopping yesterday.
- Jennifer and John didn’t get married.
- She didn’t get a new job last month.
- They didn’t find their missing dog.
- He didn’t die in a car accident in 2016.
- Her sister didn’t serve in the army for 10 years.
- I didn’t lose my wallet on the way to the airport last week.
Simple Past Tense Formula For Questions
Sentence structure/formula: Did + subject + V1 + object?
Note: Start the simple past interrogative sentences using the helping verb “did.” And use the present form of the verb.
Examples Of Past Simple Tense Questions
- Did I call him this morning?
- Did we buy a new house?
- Did she tell me the truth?
- Did we go shopping yesterday?
- Did Jennifer and John get married?
- Did she get a new job last month?
- Did they find their missing dog?
- Did he die in a car accident in 2016?
- Did her sister serve in the army for 10 years?
- Did I lose my wallet on the way to the airport last week?
Simple Past Tense Formula For Interrogative Negative Sentences
Sentence structure: Did + Sub + not + Verb + object?
Note: There are two ways to make simple past interrogative negative sentences.
Did you not know him?
Or,
Didn’t you know him?
Examples of past simple interrogative negative sentences
- Didn’t I call him this morning?
- Didn’t we buy a new house?
- Didn’t she tell me the truth?
- Didn’t we go shopping yesterday?
- Didn’t Jennifer and John get married?
- Didn’t she get a new job last month?
- Didn’t they find their missing dog?
- Didn’t he die in a car accident in 2016?
- Didn’t her sister serve in the army for 10 years?
- Didn’t I lose my wallet on the way to the airport last week?
Those were the four simple past tense formulas to make sentences in the simple past tense. We hope it was helpful!
If you want to learn more about simple past tense and its use, click here!
You can also check out the following pages to improve your English grammar.
12 Tenses in English with Examples
