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Past Simple Tense

Now that you have learned about the past simple tense for “to be”, it is important to know it for other verbs as well. The past simple tense is used to describe actions that happened in the past.

Regular Verbs

In general, we add –ed to the end of a verb to conjugate it to the past simple tense.^[1]https://7esl.com/past-simple-tense/

Spelling Rules

In general, you add –ed to the end of a verb to conjugate it to the past simple tense.^[2]https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/phase-6-past-tense-ed-suffix-4-different-spelling-rules-for-this-suffix-table-cards-ppt-6449174

However, there are a few exceptions:

If the verb ends in “e”, just add the letter “d”.

For example:

live → lived
If the short verb ends in a consonant + vowel, double the consonant and add “ed”

For example:

trip → tripped
hop → hopped
jog → jogged
slip → slipped
If the verb ends in a “y”, delete the “y” and add “i” + “ed”

For example:

try → tried
fry → fried

When do we use the past simple tense?

There are several cases when we use the past simple verb tense in English.

Completed Actions in the Past

I walked to the park.
Susie parked her car in front of the house.
They lived

Series of Completed Actions in the Past

I walked to school, took an exam, and took the bus home.
She ran a mile, lifted some weights, and stretched.

Habits in the Past

When she was young, she watched a lot of movies.
When they were young, they played a lot of sports.

Irregular Verbs

There are several examples of irregular verbs that don’t follow the –ed rule in the past simple tense.

For example:

To Have

Positive

I had
You had
He/she/it/ had
We had
They had

Negative

I didn’t have
You didn’t have
He/she/it didn’t have
We didn’t have
They didn’t have

Question

Did I have?
Did you have?
Did he/she/it have?
Did we have?
Did they have?

To Go

Positive

I went
You went
He/she/it went
We went
They went

Negative

I didn’t go
You didn’t go
He/she/it didn’t go
We didn’t go
They didn’t go

Question

Did I go?
Did you go?
Did he/she/it go?
Did we go?
Did they go?

Pronunciation

As you can see, pronouncing the –ed sound in English can be very confusing. It isn’t always said the same. There are 3 ways to pronounce –ed.

“id”

Words that end in “d”or “t” are pronounced as “id”.

“t”

Words that end in a voiceless sound are pronounced as “t”.

A voiceless sound is one that is produced in the mouth and not the throat.

“d”

Words that end in a voiced sound are pronounced as “d”.

A voiced sound is one that is produced in the throat and not the mouth.

References[+]

References
↑1	https://7esl.com/past-simple-tense/
↑2	https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/phase-6-past-tense-ed-suffix-4-different-spelling-rules-for-this-suffix-table-cards-ppt-6449174

We learned about the present tense of the verb “to be” and the present tense verb conjugation. They allow us to talk about things in the present. However, we use the past simple tense to talk about things in the past. The most basic one is the past simple of to be.^[1]https://www.grammar.cl/Past/To_Be.htm

Affirmative

The positive form of the past simple of to be can be either: was or were.

For example:

I was sleepy at work today.
You were a very fast runner.
He was very talkative today.
She was nice to me.
It was a difficult test.
We were tired after the long drive.
They were a very good company.

Negative

The negative form of the past simple of to be can be either: was not or were not.

I was not sleepy at work today.
You were not a very fast runner.
He was not very talkative today.
She was not nice to me.
It was not a difficult test.
We were not tired after the long drive.
They were not a very good company.

Negative Contractions

The negative past simple form of to be can be contracted.

was not = wasn’t
were not = weren’t

Questions

The question form of the past simple of to be is:

Verb(was/were) + subject

For example:

Was I sleepy at work today?
Were you a very fast runner?
Was he very talkative today?
Was she nice to me?
Was it a difficult test?
Were we tired after the long drive?
Were they a very good company?

Short Answers

When you know the context, you can give short answers using the past simple tense.

For example:

Positive

Was I sleepy at work today? Yes, you were.
Were you a very fast runner? Yes, I was.
Was he very talkative today? Yes, he was.
Was she nice to me? Yes, she was.
Was it a difficult test? Yes, it was.
Were we tired after the long drive? Yes, we were.
Were they a very good company? Yes, they were.

Negative

Was I sleepy at work today? No, you were not (weren’t).
Were you a very fast runner? No, I was not (wasn’t).
Was he very talkative today? No, he was not (wasn’t).
Was she nice to me? No, she was not (wasn’t).
Was it a difficult test? No, it was not (wasn’t).
Were we tired after the long drive? No, we were not (weren’t).
Were they a very good company? No, they were not (weren’t).

Practice Exercises

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.grammar.cl/Past/To_Be.htm

Intensifiers

Intensifiers are adverbs that make the meaning of the verb it is modifying stronger. Depending on the intensifier you use, it can change the strength of the action.^[1]https://vocabularyhome.com/adjectives-adverbs/intersifiers-words-in-english/#more-524

Strongest Intensifiers

These intensifiers show the greatest strength of action.

Examples include:

Really – I am really tired.
Very – She is very good at math.
Extremely – It is extremely windy today.

Note: Very is the most common intensifier in the English language. It is so common that it is often overused. Consider using other more descriptive words.

Strong Intensifier

These intensifiers strengthen the action; however, to a lesser extent than the previous ones.

Examples include:

Quite – Be careful! The food is quite hot.
Rather – The homework is rather difficult.

Limited Intensifier

These adverbs are the least strong words in the list. They do add strength to the words they are describing, but only a little bit.

Somewhat – That exam was somewhat difficult.
Pretty – I am pretty sure you are wrong.
Fairly – I am fairly certain that the cinema opens at 10:00 AM.

Negatives

A common negative intensifier is “at all”.^[2]https://completeenglishgrammar.com/using-intensifiers-very-at-all-really-so-etc/

You can use it in the following manner:

I don’t like vegetables at all.
They didn’t notice it at all.

Adverbs of Frequency

It is important to note that an intensifier and adverbs of frequency are not the same.

Adverbs of frequency give more precise information about the action being performed while intensifiers increased the intensity of the action being performed.

In addition, intensifiers are generally used in informal conversation. In more formal situations, using intensifiers can be seen as being overly flowery.

Other Examples

If you want to increase your vocabulary and sound more fluent, consider including these other examples of intensifiers instead of just “very”.

absolutely
amazingly
astoundingly
colossally
completely
dreadfully
especially
exceptionally
excessively
extraordinarily
extremely
fantastically
frightfully
fully
highly
incredibly
literally
mightily
moderately
outrageously
quite
radically
rather
really
remarkably
so
somewhat
strikingly
supremely
terribly
terrifically
too
totally
uncommonly
unusually
utterly

References[+]

References
↑1	https://vocabularyhome.com/adjectives-adverbs/intersifiers-words-in-english/#more-524
↑2	https://completeenglishgrammar.com/using-intensifiers-very-at-all-really-so-etc/

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency describe how much we do an activity.^[1]https://www.grammar.cl/Basic/Adverbs_Frequency.htm

Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency

Adverbs of indefinite frequency help describe how much we do something but doesn’t define the exact amount of time.

I always work out in the morning.
I usually drink coffee in the morning.
She normally eats with us.
I generally do well in school.
I often eat at this restaurant.
I frequently visit my parents.
I sometimes read books.
I occasionally go to the beach.
I seldom eat vegetables.
I hardly ever drive.
I rarely fly on planes.
I never lie to my friends.

Adverb Position

There are two main positions for adverbs in a sentence.

Subject + adverb + verb

For example:

I always fasten my seatbelt in the car.
I sometimes sing while cleaning the house.
She hardly visits me.

Subject + be + adverb

For example:

She is never happy.
They are always on time.
He is sometimes funny.

At the beginning of a sentence

There are some adverbs of frequency that you can use at the beginning of a sentence with a comma.

For example:

Occasionally, I go to the park.
Normally, I don’t study for exams.

However, you can’t use the following adverbs of frequency at the beginning of a sentence:

Always
Ever
Hardly
Never
Rarely
Seldom

Adverbs of Definite Frequency

Adverbs of definite frequency allow us to be more specific when talking about frequency.

Number

Number + Times + a + Time Period

For example:

Once a day
Twice a day
Three times a day
Four times a day
Five times a week
Six times a month
Seven times a year

Time Period

For example:

Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Annually

Every

Every + Number + Time Period

For example:

Every two days
Every three days
Every four days
Every five weeks
Every six months
Every seven years

Every + Time Period

Every day
Every week
Every month
Every year
Every decade

Practice Exercises

Please go to Adverbs of Frequency to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.grammar.cl/Basic/Adverbs_Frequency.htm

Modal Verbs: can/can’t/could/couldn’t/would/wouldn’t

Modal verbs are helping verbs that express obligation, permission, possibility, and ability.^[1]https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/

Can/Can’t

“Can” is used in many different situations.

Positive

Subject + can + base verb

Negative

Subject + can’t + base verb

Question

Can + subject + base verb

When do you use it?

Possibility

I can run very fast.
She can speak French
They can visit us.

Impossibility

We can’t eat that food.
He can’t call us.
It can’t be done.

Ask for Permission

Can you help me with my homework?
Can they come with us?
Can we get ice cream?

Give Permission

You can eat some dessert.
They can come to our house.
She can borrow our car.

Could/Couldn’t

In the present tense, the modal verb “could” is used to:

Ask for Permission

Could + subject + base verb (this is a polite way to ask for permission)

Could I talk to her?
Could I have their number?
Could I have an appointment?

Give a Suggestion

Subject + could + base verb

You could fly tomorrow.
You could ask the manager.
You could take the tour of the park tomorrow.

Would Like/Wouldn’t Like

The modal of “would like” is used to show if someone is interested in something (object).

Positive

Subject + would like + object

Negative

Subject + wouldn’t like + object

Question

Would + subject + like + object

Would Like To/Wouldn’t Like To

The modal of “would like to” shows if someone is interested in doing something (action).

Positive

Subject + would like + to + infinitive

Example:

I would like to swim right now.
She would like to eat lunch.
They would like to visit us next summer.

Negative

Subject + wouldn’t like + to + infinitive

Example:

I wouldn’t like to go there by myself.
John wouldn’t like to meet you.
We wouldn’t like to eat vegetables.

Question

Would + subject + like to + infinitive?

Would you like to come with me?
Would they like to eat dinner with us?
Would she like to talk?

Practice Exercises

Please go to Modal Verbs: can/can’t/could/couldn’t/would/wouldn’t to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/

Imperatives

Imperatives in English are used to do several things and seen in several places including:

Give orders
- Don’t do that!
- Stop talking immediately!
On signs
- Stop
- Push
- Pull
- Turn left.
Make an invitation
- Sit with us.
- Come eat with us.
Give instructions
- Turn to page 20.
- Take your medicine when you feel sick.
Give warnings
- Be careful.
- Don’t sit down on the bench. It has wet paint.
Give advice
- Relax.
- Think about it.
- Work hard if you want to succeed.

Positive Conjugation

In English, the conjugation for the imperative is just the base verb (in simple present tense).^[1]https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/what-are-imperatives

For example, for the verb “to run”, we can say, “Run 20 laps right now!”

A few addition examples:

Close the door.
Clean your room.
Take your medicine.
Come in and sit down.

Negative Conjugation

In English, the negative conjugation for the imperative is:

Do not (don’t) + base verb

You can use the negative imperative to tell someone not to do something, such as when something is against the rules.

For example:

Don’t drive above the speed limit.
Stop at the red light.
Don’t smoke in the building.
Do not open the door.

Giving Instructions

As stated earlier, you can use the imperative to give instructions.

For example:

Set the oven to 200 F and cook the chicken for 30 minutes.

However, there are times when you might find yourself wanting to give instructions for something that requires multiple steps. In these cases, you can use sequential words such as

First, Second, Third…
Then
Next
After that
Finally

For example, the instructions for cooking pasta might be as follows:

First, boil some water.

Then, place the pasta in the boiling water.

Next, let the water boil for 10 minutes.

After that, pour out the pasta and water into a colander.

Finally, mix marinara sauce with the pasta.

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/what-are-imperatives

Simple Present

The present simple tense in English is the first and most basic tense in English.

We have already gone over the present simple tense for the verbs “to be” and “to have”.

Conjugation

The general rule for the simple present tense is:

When do we use the simple present tense?

So when do we use the simple present tense in English?

#1. Repeated Actions

The simple present is used in English to talk about repeated or usual actions including: scheduled events, hobbies, and habits.^[1]https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.html

For example:

I play football.
You do not play basketball.
Does he play soccer?
She runs every day at 7:30 AM.
It leaves at 5:30 PM.
We do not swim in the pool.
They live next door.

#2. Facts & Generalizations

The simple present is also used to state facts that are true in the past, now, and in the future. It doesn’t matter if the fact is true or not. In addition, it can be used to state generalizations.

For example:

I love chocolate ice cream.
You do not like vegetables.
Dogs like meat.
Fish like water.

#3. Scheduled Event in the Near Future

You can also use the simple present tense to talk about events in the near future, such as when taking public transport.

For example:

The plane departs at 8:30 PM for Tokyo.
When does class start?
When does the train leave?

#4. Now

The simple present tense can also be used to talk about events happening now. However, you must use it with non-continuous verbs and some mixed verbs.

Note: Non-continuous verbs are verbs that describe things that you can’t see. They include abstract actions, possession, and emotion.^[2]https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.html

For example:

I own this building.

She envies you.

The box contains a lot of gold.

We need your help.

They seem nice.

The idea only exists in our minds.

Practice Exercises

Please go to Simple Present to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.html
↑2	https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.html

The verb “to go”

The verb “to go” shows movement in English. We use the affirmative present tense of “to go” to show that we are moving at the moment.^[1]http://conjugator.reverso.net/conjugation-english-verb-go.html After, the verb “to have”, it is the third most important verb in English.

Affirmative

You can use the affirmative of “to go” to show movement right now or habitual movement.

In English, you use the following form: “to go” + to + location

I go to work at 7:30 AM.
You go to the supermarket on Tuesdays.
He goes to the pool on Sundays.
She goes to the park with her dogs.
It goes to the bathroom.
We go to the supermarket on Fridays.
They go to work at 9:00 AM.

Negative

You can use the negative of “to go” to show lack of movement right now or lack of habitual movement.

In English, you use the following form: do not/does not “to go” + to + location

I do not go to work at 7:30 AM.
You do not go to the supermarket on Tuesdays.
He does not go to the pool on Sundays.
She does not go to the park with her dogs.
It does not go to the bathroom.
We do not go to the supermarket on Fridays.
They do not go to work at 9:00 AM.

Questions

You can use the question form of “to go” to ask someone about their movement right now or their habitual movement.

Do I go to work at 7:30 AM?
Do you go to the supermarket on Tuesdays?
Does he go to the pool on Sundays?
Does she go to the park with her dogs?
Does it go to the bathroom?
Do we go to the supermarket on Fridays?
Do they go to work at 9:00 AM?

Example Conversation

A: Hi John! How are you?

B: Hi Susie! I am good. How are you?

A: I am good too! I have a question for you. Do you go to work at 7:00 AM?

B: Yes, I go to work at 7:00 AM.

A: Can I go to work with you?

B: No, you can’t go to work with me.

A: Ok. No problem. Bye.

B: Bye.

Additional Notes: Can + go = asking for permission to go somewhere. For example, when you ask “can I go to the park”, you are asking for permission to go to the park.

Practice Exercises

Please go to The verb “to go” to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	http://conjugator.reverso.net/conjugation-english-verb-go.html

The verb “to have”

The verb “to have” shows possession in English. We use the affirmative present tense to show that we possess something at the moment.^[1]https://www.lingokids.com/english-for-kids/verb-to-have After, the verb “to be”, it is the second most important verb in English.

Affirmative

You can use the affirmative of “to have” to show that you possess something right now.

I have a dog.
You have a cat.
He has a parrot.
She has two dogs.
It has a fever.
We have a big pool.
They have a nice car.

Negative

You can use the negative of “to have” to show that you don’t possess something right now.

I do not have a dog.
You do not have a cat.
He does not have a parrot.
She does not have two dogs.
It does not have a fever.
We do not have a big pool.
They do not have a nice car.

Questions

You can use the question form of to ask someone if they possess something right now.

Do I have a dog?
Do you have a cat?
Does he have a parrot?
Does she have two dogs?
Does it have a fever?
Do we have a big pool?
Do they have a nice car?

Example Conversation

A: Hi John! How are you?

B: Hi Susie! I am good. How are you?

A: I am good too! I have a question for you. Do you have a dog?

B: Yes, I have a dog.

A: Is it a male or female?

B: It is a female.

A: Does she have puppies?

B: Yes, she has 3 puppies.

A: Can I have one?

B: Yes, you can have one.

A: Thanks!

B: You are welcome!

Additional Notes: Can + have = asking for permission to possess something. For example, when you ask “can I have a dog”, you are asking for permission to possess the dog.

Practice Exercises

Please go to The verb “to have” to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.lingokids.com/english-for-kids/verb-to-have

There is vs There are

In English, “there is” and “there are” are used to talk about things that exist. It uses the verb “to be” with the word “there”. However, what is the difference between there is vs there are?

There is vs There are

“There is” is used for singular countable and uncountable nouns.

Singular Countable Nouns

Countable nouns are individual places, people, and objects which can be counted. Don’t forget to use a/an + noun.^[1]https://7esl.com/countable-and-uncountable-nouns/

There is a dog in the kitchen.
There is a letter on the desk.
There is a car parked in front of the office.

Singular Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns are information, concepts, and materials which cannot be broken down into individual objects to be counted.

There is milk in the refrigerator.
There is cheese on the plate.
There is water in the pool.

Plural Nouns

“There are” is used for plural nouns.

For example:

There are three cars in the garage.
There are 20 children in the class.
There are 50 states in the USA.

Some

We can also use the word “some” with singular uncountable nouns and plural nouns.

Singular Uncountable Nouns

There is some chocolate on the table. (This means that we don’t know how much chocolate there is exactly)
There is some money in the bank. (We don’t know how much money is in the bank)

Plural Nouns

There are some cars in the parking lot. (We don’t know how many cars are in the parking lot)
There are some t-shirts in the drawer. (We don’t know how many t-shirts are in the drawer)

Contractions for There is vs There are

“There is” becomes “there’s” when it is a contraction.

For example:

There’s milk in the refrigerator.
Do you think that there’s a letter on the desk.
There’s a car parked in front of the office.

However, you don’t contract “there are” (~~there’re~~)

Negatives

There are two ways to form a negative with “there is” and “there are”.

Add the word not

There is not (isn’t) a dog in the house. (singular countable noun)
There is not (isn’t) a cat in the house. (singular countable noun)

Add the word no

There is no dog in the house. (singular countable noun)
There is no cat in the house. (singular countable noun)
There are no kids in the classroom. (plural noun)

Any

We can also use the word “any” with negative uncountable singular nouns and plural nouns when we are using the word “aren’t”.

For example:

There is not any milk in the refrigerator. (uncountable noun)

There aren’t any kids in the classroom. (plural noun)

Questions

To form a question, change the word order from Subject-verb to verb-subject.

For example:

There is (singular noun) = Is there a + singular noun?

Is there a dog in the house?

There is some (uncountable noun) = Is there any + uncountable noun?

Is there any milk in the refrigerator?

There are (plural noun) = Are there any + plural noun?

Are there any cars in the parking lot?

Short Response to Questions

Instead of answering in a complete sentence, you can answer with a short response when the context is understood.

For example:

Singular

Yes, there is.

No, there is not.

Plural

Yes, there are.

No, there are not.

Practice Exercises

Please go to There is vs There are to view this quiz

References[+]