Simple past
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The simple past, sometimes called the preterite, is the past tense of Modern English. It is used to describe events in the past. It may combine with either or both of two aspects, the perfect and the progressive. When the simple past is employed in the subjunctive mood, it is called the subjunctive imperfect.
Pronunciation
If the base verb ends in /d/ or /t/, the regular past-tense ending -ed is pronounced /ɨd/; after all other unvoiced consonants it becomes /t/, and in all remaining cases (other voiced consonants and vowels) it is pronounced /d/.
Form
For regular verbs, the simple past is formed by adding -ed or -t to the end of the bare infinitive. The simple past forms of irregular verbs vary greatly, and must be learnt on a case by case basis:
| Bare Infinitive | Simple Past |
|---|---|
| jump | jumped |
| laugh | laughed |
| dream | dreamt |
| sleep | slept |
| go | went |
| see | saw |
| come | came |
Use
The simple past is used when discussing or enquiring about actions or situations that occurred in the past.
- I planted the seed on Friday.
- I came home at 6 o'clock.
- When did they get married?
- We walked to school every day.
- Charles entered the hall, looked around, took off his coat and sat down.