Past simple tense in English
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
This chapter will discuss the past simple tense in English. This tense is used for describing a completed action that took place in the past.
How the past simple tense is formed, depends on whether the sentence is:
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Structure: subject + conjugated verb + rest of the sentence
Structure: subject + negative auxiliary (did not) + infinitive verb + rest of the sentence.
The table below shows how the negative auxiliary is formed for every subject.
Subject | Negative auxiliary |
---|---|
I | did not |
You (singular) | did not |
He / she / it | did not |
We | did not |
You (plural) | did not |
They | did not |
Structure: Did + subject + infinitive verb + rest of the sentence + question mark
Use | Example |
---|---|
Temporary frequency |
|
Definite point in time |
|
Indefinite point in time |
|
You can recognize the use of the past simple tense when the sentence contains words as:
The English verbs can be split up into regular and irregular verbs. These are both conjugated differently.
The simple past of the English regular verbs are formed by adding '-ed' to the infinitive of the verb.
Rule: infinitive verb + ed
Subject | to watch | to walk |
---|---|---|
I | watched | walked |
You (singular) | watched | walked |
He / she / it | watched | walked |
We | watched | walked |
You (plural) | watched | walked |
They | watched | walked |
The table below shows the conjugation of the past simple of irregular verbs 'to swim', 'to feel', 'to have' and 'to be'.
Subject | to swim | to feel | to have | to be |
---|---|---|---|---|
I | swam | felt | had | was |
You | swam | felt | had | were |
He / she / it | swam | felt | had | was |
We | swam | felt | had | were |
You | swam | felt | had | were |
They | swam | felt | had | were |
Train your skills by doing the exercises below.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I've been living and working as a Turkish teacher in London for 5 years. I studied Turkish language and literature. I graduated from Kocaeli University in 2009. I have pedagogical proficiency and a Teaching Turkish for Foreigners certificate from Istanbul University.
I have experience at high schools and secondary schools in İstanbul/Turkey for 5 years.
All the collateral will be provided by me. I will give you homework after every lesson and we will check it together.
I use a theory book and an excercise book for my lessons, versions vary according to your level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1). They're all published by Istanbul University and are called `Turkish For Foreigners`
I also use powerpoint presentations during my lessons. It makes it easier to understand the grammar rules.
My lessons are about grammar, listening, speaking and writing.
Lessons are interactive and fun as I believe a playful approach to learning a new language helps retaining information. Games and other devices such as cards will be be used during the lessons.
For more information please do not hesitate to ask me any questions. Thank you very much. Have a great day! :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Samet has a lot of teaching experience. He is patient and enthusiastic to learn you a new language. Furthermore, he has lots of different teaching materials that make his lessons fun and interactive.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dear Sir/ Mam
My name is Monesh Nankoo. I am an I.T specialist/ Teacher. I am writing to show my keen interest for the position at your organization. I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science as well as my TEFL/ TESOL English master course. I do have several other qualifications in the field of I.T and logistics with are stated on my Resume.
I am a capable person along with excellent communication skills. I assure you that I will prove myself to be a valuable employee. I possess the necessary qualities needed to persevere such as adaptability, integrity and I am self-motivated.
I am really good at learning quickly and efficiently. I want to work at your company because I feel I could definitely add quality to the work that you do. I would love to work with you to achieve a greater reputation for your organization.
My future plans are to gain more experience in the field of Education or Information Technology to enhance my career.
Thank you for taking your time to review my application. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Monesh Nankoo
Contact details:
Skype: moneshnankoo
Line: moneshnankoo
WeChat: Monesh_Nankoo
Email: Moneshnankoo@gmail.com
Alternative email: Moneshnankoo@hotmail.com
Mobile number: 0813307660/ 068 099 0519
Country: South Africa
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monesh is a very enthusiastic and patient teacher. He is very well-organized and a native English speaker from South Africa.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Do you want to learn a new language?
Do you want to be able to communicate in Greek or in English in real-life settings or to conduct business?
Do you need help preparing for school?
Do you need help with homework or revision for upcoming exams?
Do you need help preparing for a language exam?
If the answer is `YES` to any of the above questions then contact me for a friendly chat.
Greek as a Foreign Language (Beginner to Advanced)
Children, Young and Adult Learners
Preparation for the GCSE Greek and CEFR exams
Conversational Greek
Business Greek
Professional Greek
English as a Foreign Language (Elementary to Advanced)
All age groups
Conversational English
Exam Preparation including IELTS, FCE, and CAE
ESOL English
Science English
Business English
A CELTA certified English Language Teacher and a native Greek; dynamic and results-orientated with long tutoring experience, a strong background in sciences and languages. I am currently completing an M.Ed degree in teaching English as a Foreign/International language.
Trustworthy and approachable with strong rapport skills.
Experienced in working with children, young learners, and adults across various educational settings.
A strong talent to develop and implement creative, hands-on learning that reaches every student`s learning style and ability, whilst empowering students to succeed and reach their individual goals. Every lesson is tailored to the needs of the student. The use of specific handbooks is determined by each student`s desires and needs. Any extra material when needed will be provided by the teacher.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Katerina has lots of teaching experience. She teaches to all age ranges, from children to adults. She teaches to groups but also to individuals. Furthermore, she is very patient and eager to help you learn a new language.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My way of teaching is based on my over 30 years of experience. After spending many years providing my students with a lot of grammar rules I decided to start providing them with the necessary tools that support them in breaking down both linguistic and psychological barriers, improving their confidence, building the correct communication code of the language thus lowering frustration and increasing motivation.
My students are happy with such method as they enjoy each and every lesson and never feel under pressure.
I want English to be learnt naturally with the right commitment but with no frustration.
I love my job and I am totally committed to what I do, while continuously working on new material and on finding the best way to keep my students engaged.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Patricia has over 30 years of teaching experience. She is very passionate about her job and is eager to help you study. She is very kind and patient. Furthermore, she has written her own English book and teaches very interactive classes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Oksana is a very experienced teacher. She has written several Russian course books. Since she is a native speaker, she can teach you more than only the language. Her classes also include culture, she adjusts her classes to your needs. She is an enthusiastic teacher, ready to help you learn a new language!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
I believe learning should be fun and interactive!
I would love to help you in any way I can, to improve your knowledge of English.
I love making beginners feel comfortable, and developing conversations or grammar with those who are more experienced in English!
I am very used to teaching children whose second language is English.
I love teaching and watching children come alive with individual attention, and tailoring my teaching style to their personalities. I enjoy being animated with my students!
I am comfortable teaching children and adults.
I am a South African and have a Business degree. I worked in Finance and Marketing for 7 years for Volkswagen South Africa.
I am extroverted and I love people!
I have homeschooled my children from the 2nd grade through to the 7th grade.
I have taught Life Skills to 8 year olds at a Primary School for three years.
Currently, I tutor 1st and 2nd graders at a school where the children are learning in English as a SECOND language.
I believe my personality, teaching experience and work ethic make me a great teacher!
Best Regards
Christine Rafferty
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Cristina it's very funny and smilimg Person! Her english Is clear! Very good lesson with her! Thanks Cristina!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everybody,
My name is Barbara.
I used to live in Ireland, in the UK, in Spain and I live in Italy now. I have spent much time in the USA and Scandinavia as well. I have been flying around the world as a flight attendant for approx. 13 years.
I am also a qualified tour guide, a qualified ENGLISH TEACHER (teaching at various schools, flight schools and universities) and an AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER.
I love teaching and I believe it is really important to learn foreign languages, to get to know different nations, cultures in order to have a better idea of the world. English can be a key to open a new world for you and eliminate the barriers you have at the moment.
Oh! and I've almost forgotten to tell you:
I'm an ITALIAN TEACHER too
IN CASE your problem is not the English language, but you have a problem when you need to order a good PIZZA, CAPPUCCINO or some delicious SPAGHETTI during your stay in ITALY or you need to get ready for an internship or you want to learn ITALIAN for any other reason, I can teach you and help you improve your ITALIAN!
Are you still hungry and you want to keep filling your stomach in HUNGARY? I can also give you some HUNGARIAN LESSONS from beginner to advanced level! (of course if you like Goulash- Gulyàs, I can give you the original recipe!)
If you think you need ENGLISH, ITALIAN and/or HUNGARIAN for your goals and dreams, get in touch and we can plan some lessons for you.
TEFL/TESOL qualified English Teacher
168 hours Tefl Org, Scotland, UK
40 hours Tefl Online Teaching, Tefl Org, Scotland, UK
30 hours Tefl Online Teaching, Tefl Institution, Ireland
TEFL/TESOL Online Teaching Practicum, Tefl Org., Scotland, UK
AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER, Mayflower College of English, Plymouth, UK
AVIATION ENGLISH RATER/EXAMINER, Lenguax, London, UK
I can teach you Conversational English, Business English, Prepare you for an exam or teach English to your kids. Or/and we can do all these in ITALIAN and HUNGARIAN too!
Hope to see you soon in class.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I’m very happy with my teacher! Barbara is so kind, helpful and she has a lot of knowledge to share. She is preparing me for some English exams, it is going quicker and better than I expected. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
Barbara B.Thanks so much for the kind words Em! It takes two. You really put your heart and mind to your goal. Very well done. Keep up the good work and you will see the results. See you in class :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Julija Mihalova. I’m an enthusiastic Russian language tutor with over 12 years experience. I have a degree in Translation. I also have a certificate from Moskou University to teach Russian as a foreign language.
These individualized lessons will help you achieve the necessary level of Russian in the shortest possible time.
I will be happy to help you :
· learn Russian vocabulary for everyday life and traveling
· learn Russian for professional purposes, the broader job opportunities
· reach the A1/A2/B1/B2/C1 level Russian of the Common European Framework
· if you are someone who is curious about a different culture; OR wants to keep your brain active and fit by giving it an excellent workout.
As your tutor, I will focus on your preferences and provide you with an individualized learning program.
Regardless of the level at which you start, you will be able to communicate in Russian from the very first lesson. I will help you to understand grammar and reading; to enrich your vocabulary, speaking and listening skills through life communication fun games; and will provide activities to help the lessons ‘stick’.
The materials of each lesson will be provided in a visual, easy to perceive, form.
I am a friendly, professional and committed tutor and you will be assisted and supported as you progress along your individual learning curve.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Julija has over more than 20 years of teaching experience. She teaches to all ages and levels from A1 to C2. She has lots of interactive learning materials. You'll surely feel comfortable in her classes!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I lived some years in America where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in the Spanish and German. In all these years I have given private lessons of Italian, English, Spanish and Japanese, at the moment the most required language. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to experience the teaching of the language in an American College with a native Japanese teacher, implementing the method that they themselves use to learn their language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important to learn a language and even more a good method. No days spent on textbooks are needed, constancy and fun during lessons are the most important part for learning. You will see the results immediately! I am patient, flexible and I will adapt in all ways to your personal needs. I'll wait for you on my profile for the trial lesson and discover an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The teacher is always on time and uses perfect learning materials to learn the language. Very prepared in what she teaches and in the way she does it; very useful lessons!
Alessia T.Thank you Hilary!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Laurie has been working since 2016. She teaches French from the levels A1 until C1. Her learning materials are very interactive, games, quizzes, videos etc. You will surely learn a lot from her!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone! My name is Morena a passionate traveller and a languages enthusiast!
My mother tongue is Italian, and I was born and raised in the beautiful region of Marche in central Italy. I lived abroad for 15 years, and spent 12 of them in the wonderful London.
I am a certified Celta teacher at Strafford House School in London and I have recently obtained the Ditals certification from the University of Siena for teaching Italian as a foreign language.
What are my lessons like? I normally teach students of all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced). I love to use everyday situations to teach common expressions useful for communication as well as vocabulary and grammar. I adapt different teaching methods and approaches according to my students' learning needs, interests and background. I can help you with exam preparation (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, and all Cambridge or IELTS exams), also I can create business or technical language lessons if you have this need.
I provide tailor-made lessons because I believe that every student is different and needs a special and fun method to learn a language with a purpose. If you would like help please contact me with your questions or goal, then we can discuss the best strategy and flexible plan to become fluent in Italian or English! Speak soon. Ciao, a presto!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Morena generally teaches to adults, but she also has experience with teaching children. She has different learning materials and personalizes her classes to her students wants and needs. She is very patient. Furthermore, she teaches English and Italian to all levels (A1 to C2)
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I’m French, currently living in the Netherlands.
I lived in Paris for almost twenty years, and I know very well my country (and of course my language, French, my mother tongue). I taught French for two years in Spain, conversation class about culture essentially.
In Paris, I was Spanish teacher, I have the Agregation degree which is the highest degree for teaching in France, I'm bilingual. I've participated too in several editorial projects about Spanish teaching and DELE preparation.
I have a Spanish Studies Master and I'm currently doing a research about the Spanish and Sefardi Judaism.
I have a French as foreign language and a Religious Studies Masters too.
I enjoy sharing what I know. I’m a very eclectic person and curious about everything. To give you an idea, my interest (and sometimes hobbies) are: philosophy, spirituality and religions in general, meditation, psychology and psychoanalysis, history, geography, literature, writing (in particular creative writing, and I’m used to write everyday), art (painting, photography), sciences (vulgarisation level) and cultural matters in general. I travel a lot (as a backpacker), sometimes by foot, and the places I know well are France, the Netherlands, Italy and Serbia.
One of my qualities is my capacity of adaptation, I enjoy preparing documents to help the student to acquire autonomy, but I love speaking too, and it’s the best way to learn a language.
I'm waiting for your message, please when contact me, explain quickly who you are, why you want to study French and what you are looking for exactly.
See you soon.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Rosa is an excellent teacher, clear in explanations, attentive to the student's goals, with a vast culture that enriches the conversation in the language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I lived some years in America where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in the Spanish and German. In all these years I have given private lessons of Italian, English, Spanish and Japanese, at the moment the most required language. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to experience the teaching of the language in an American College with a native Japanese teacher, implementing the method that they themselves use to learn their language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important to learn a language and even more a good method. No days spent on textbooks are needed, constancy and fun during lessons are the most important part for learning. You will see the results immediately! I am patient, flexible and I will adapt in all ways to your personal needs. I'll wait for you on my profile for the trial lesson and discover an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alessia is a really nice teacher with a lovely personality. It was very helpful. I recommend her for anyone, child or adult. Thank you
Alessia T.Thank you , I really appreciate it!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I've been teaching English in Spain for the last 3 years and have lots of experience with Cambridge official exams (Pre A1- C1), conversation classes, help with General English and CLIL.
My teaching style is student-centered and tailored to your needs and goals. There's always plenty of talking time to practice any new grammar and vocabulary to focus on fluency and accuracy, as well as building confidence to naturally practice your new skills in conversation. The courses I create always revise previous learning points and integrate them with new material so that you don't just learn something once and never see it again.
I teach with a range of realia, textbook resources and online materials that have proven effective and engaging with my students in the past, but everything I use is adapted specifically for your areas of weakness and learning styles!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I find that Beth was so easy to talk. I m always nervous when I speak English but talking to Beth I am not nervous because she has this power to let me just speak. She won’t rush to finish even the time is almost up. Is good. Hoping to take her class more and more. Her accent is easy to hear too!
Beth B.Thank you Achilles! I had a great time teaching you in your first class and it was great to see you already making so much progress and gaining confidence! I'm looking forward to seeing you in your next class!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
MERHABA :)
Hello! I am Omer, a teacher of both English and Turkish living and working in Lithuania.
My hometown is Antalya and I am a native speaker of Turkish. I speak proper and clear Istanbul Turkish (this is the most common dialect of Turkish) If you're looking for a teacher who's devoted, attentive, and fun, you've come to the right place. I never come to a class empty-handed and always make sure my students are engaged, entertained, and learning. Whatever your level in Turkish (or English), I can provide you with a casual, open environment where you feel comfortable experimenting with the language you're learning. Hoping to see you soon! :-)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ömer is an experienced teacher who speaks multiple languages. He teaches to people of all ages and levels (A1 to C2.) He is very organized and has lots of learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials