The past simple is a verb tense that refers to actions that took place in the past. It is used to create sentences about events or facts that happened at a specific time in the past. The past simple most often takes the form of ‘ed’ verbs; in other words, verbs which have been conjugated to end in ‘ed’.
Here are some tips on how to use the past simple:
-When talking about events that happened at a specific time in the past (a month ago, yesterday, last summer etc.), the past simple is used. For example: “I went to the beach last summer.”
-When talking about habits or customs in the past, the past simple is used. For example: “My grandmother used to plant vegetables in her garden.”
-When talking about a chain of events that took place in the past, the past simple is used. For example: “I opened the window, and then I saw a bird.”
-When telling stories, we use the past simple to create a logical ‘flow’ from one event to the next. For example: “The frog hopped onto the lily pad, and the snake darted away.”
-When talking about an action which was interrupted by a second action, both verbs should be written in the past simple. For example: “I was walking home when it started to rain.”
To learn more about the past simple and other verb tenses, check out these great tutorials on English Grammar:
-https://www.grammarly.com/blog/past-simple/
-https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/beginner-to-intermediate/verb-tenses
-http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/pastsimple/menu.php
