In English, it is possible to ask questions using the past tense. When answering these questions, you have the option of replying with long answers or short answers.^[1]https://www.grammar.cl/Past/Short_Answers.htm

Short Answers

Certain questions in English allow you to respond back with a short answer.

Did

You can respond with a short answer for questions that begin with the word “Did”.

For example:

• Did
  you eat dinner yet? Yes, I did / No,
  I didn’t.
• Did she
  study for the exam? Yes, she did /
  No, she didn’t.
• Did
  he park the car? Yes, he did / No,
  he didn’t.

Was/Were

You can respond with a short answer for questions that begin with the words “Was” or “Were”.

For example:

• Was
  she there? Yes, she was / No, she wasn’t.
• Were they
  coming? Yes, there were / No, there weren’t.
• Was
  it busy? Yes, it was. No, she wasn’t.

Long Answers

Not all questions in English allow you to respond back with a short answer.

Questions that begin with the question words who, where, when, why, what, which, or how often require more detailed explanations.

For example:

• Who are you? I am Fred.
• Where are you from? I am from the United States.
• Why are you studying French? I am studying French because I want to visit Paris.
• What are you doing? I am reading a book.
• Which book are you reading? I am reading Harry Potter.
• How often do you work out? I work out 3 times a week.

Conclusion

Understanding grammar rules is just the first step — the real progress happens when you practice using them in real conversation. A private lesson is the fastest way to get there.