Past Simple

The past simple is a verb tense used to express completed actions that took place in the past. Regular verbs end with -ed. It is formed by adding -ed to the base form of the verb. If the verb ends with an -e, then just -d is added.

For example:

Base Form	Past Simple
play	played
lie	lied

The pronunciation of the regular past simple depends on the final sound at the end of the verb. If there is a voiceless sound, the -ed is pronounced / t /. If there is a voiced sound, the -ed is pronounced / d /. If the final sound of the verb is / t / or / d /, then the -ed is pronounced / id /. This adds an extra syllable to the pronunciation. For example:

voiceless	voiced	/ t / or / d /
locked	murdered	wanted
walked	played	reported
	called	arrest

The regular past simple has the same form for any subject.

I called the police.The man walked into the bank.We wanted to steal the money.We played football.

There are many irregular verbs in the past simple.

I saw him run up to the bank teller. (see)He told her that he was robbing the bank. (tell)He wore a black jacket and black pants. (wear)After he stole the money, he ran outside. (steal, run)He broke into a car and drove it away. (break, drive)

To form questions in the past simple, the auxiliary do becomes did, and the main verb is in the base form.

What did you see?	I saw the thief.
Did he have any weapons?	Yes, he had a gun.
Why did you go to the bank?	I went to the bank this morning to deposit my paycheck.