In the Past
Past Simple
Use the past simple for activities which took place at a specified time in the past. This specific time is often stated through the use of a time expression such as 'ago'. However, the past simple is also used when the past time is understood from the context. All subjects take the same conjugation of the verb in the positive form. Negative and questions take the auxiliary verb 'did'. Regular verbs end in '-ed'.
visit - visited
want - wanted
Irregular verbs have various forms that must be memorized. There are often patterns that can be memorized, but there are no specific rules.
buy - bought
have - had
Example:
They replaced the power supply unit five years ago.
Jennifer didn't enjoy the pop up advertisements the last time she was online.
They fixed the power supply unit the weekend before last.
How did they run background checks last year?
Positive Form:
Subject + past conjugation + (object(s)) + time expression
Bob placed a pop under ad on our website last night.
Negative Form:
Subject + did + not + verb + (object(s)) + time expression
Jennifer didn't enjoy the pop up advertisements the last time she was online.
Question Form:
(Question Word) + did + subject + verb + (object(s)) + time expression?
How did they run background checks last year?
The past form of regular verbs ends in '-ed'. Irregular verbs must be studied individually. Here is a list of some of the most common irregular verbs.
Time Expressions Often Used in the Past
last - Use when speaking about the previous week, month or year
yesterday - Use when speaking about the previous day
ago - Use when speaking about X days, weeks, months, years before the present moment in time. 'Ago' always follows the number of days, weeks, months or years
in - Use when specifying years or months
when - Use in combination with another clause
Example:
They relied on batch computing processes twenty years ago. They signed up for more bandwidth six months ago. They designed a banner ad five weeks ago. The power surge wiped out his hard disk six weeks ago.