Past Simple
The past simple is used for acts that have begun and ended in the past. Depending on whether the verb is regular or irregular, one or the other is used.
The past simple in English is formed with regular verbs, we will use the infinitive and add the ending “ed” (infinitive verb + ed). Let's see it with an example:
I (clean) cleaned my house yesterday = Yo ayer limpié mi casa.
For verbs that are regular we will have to know several exceptions, so we avoid making mistakes. The exceptions are as follows:
● For verbs that end in “e”, only a “d” is added. For example: (change) changed, believed.
● If the verb ends in a short vowel and a consonant, with the exception of “w” and “y”, we will have to double the last consonant. For example: (stop) stopped.
● With verbs ending in a consonant + “y”, we change the “y” to “i”. For example: (study) studied or (try) tried.
To construct the past tense of an irregular verb there is no set method, therefore, we will have to learn the forms by heart.
How is the past simple used in affirmative sentences?
Regarding the structure in affirmative sentences we will use the subject + verb in past tense. It is very simple, and with these examples it will be even simpler:
She (subject) wanted (verb) to play = Ella quería jugar = She wanted to play
And in negative sentences?
In negative sentences it is just as simple, we will use the following structure: subject + did + not + infinitive main verb.
I didn't play handball yesterday = Yo ayer no jugué al balón mano.
(subject) + did not + (verb)
When is the past simple used to ask a question?
In interrogative sentences it is very simple to understand, we will use did + subject + infinitive main verb.
Did you eat ice cream? ¿Comiste helado?
did + (subject) + (verb)
The same happens if we want to use the verb to be, the structure will be: verb to be in past tense + subject.
Was the water in the fridge? = ¿Estaba el agua en la nevera?
(verb) + (subject)