English is fun with Alice

The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the middle of another action.

Form of Simple Past

	Positive	Negative	Question
no differences	I spoke.	I did not speak.	Did I speak?

For irregular verbs, use the past form (see list of irregular verbs, 2nd column). For regular verbs, just add “ed”.

Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’

Exceptions in spelling when adding ed	Example
after a final e only add d	love – loved
final consonant after a short, stressed vowel or l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled	admit – admitted travel – travelled
final y after a consonant becomes i	hurry – hurried

Use of Simple Past

action in the past taking place once, never or several times
Example: He visited his parents every weekend.
actions in the past taking place one after the other
Example: He came in, took off his coat and sat down.
action in the past taking place in the middle of another action
Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.
if sentences type II (If I talked, …)
Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you.

Signal Words of Simple Past

yesterday, 2 minutes ago, in 1990, the other day, last Friday
If-Satz Typ II (If I talked, …)


			EXERCICES???

ENGLISH PROVERBS

1. A BAD EXCUSE IS BETTER THAN NONE. Always give an excuse, even if it's a poor one.
2. A BAD TREE DOES NOT YIELD GOOD APPLES. A bad parent does not raise good children.
3. A BARKING DOG SELDOM BITES. Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries them out.
4. A BIRD IN HAND IS WORTH TWO IN A BUSH. It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by searching for something better.
5. A CAT HAS NINE LIVES. Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury.
6. A FOOL AT FORTY IS A FOOL FOREVER. If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, then never will.
7. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED. Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.
8. A FRIEND'S EYE IS A GOOD MIRROR. A real friend will tell you the truth.
9. A GOOD BEGINNING MAKES A GOOD END. If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be well done.
10. A GOOD CONSCIENCE IS A SOFT PILLOW. You sleep well when you have nothing to be guilty about.