past simple. spelling rules, pronunciation rules.

1. Past Simple
Regular and Irregular verbs
By Mauricio
Ramirez

2. Spelling
 The normal rule is to add –ed.
worked
started
If the verb ends in –e add –d.
 If the verb has only one syllable + one vowel + one
consonant, double the consonant.
stopped
planned
 If the verb ends in a consonant + -y, change the –y to
ied.
studied
carried
 There are many common irregular verbs.
cut, speak, read

3. 
•
•
•
Add only –d when the base form ends in an -e
Live lived
care cared
die died
 If the verb ends in a vowel + y , do not change the y Just add – ed
pray prayed stay stayed destroy destroyed
 Do not double final w or x
• Sew sewed
• mix mixed

•
•
•
If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final consonant.
ad mit’ admitted
oc cur’ occurred
per mit’ permitted
 If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is not stressed, do not double the
final consonant.
• hap’ pen happened
• lis’ ten listened
• o’ pen opened

4. Pronunciation rules.
If the sound is voiceless. If the sound is voiced. If the Word ends in –t or –d sound.

5. We use past Simple for Completed Action in
the Past
• Use the Past Simple to express a past action that is now
finished. It started and finished at a specific time in the past.
• Notice the time expression that are used with the Past Simple.
• last night
last week
last month
last year
last Tuesday
last summer
yesterday
• Etc.

6. Examples
• I saw a movie yesterday. (Irregular)
• I didn't see a play yesterday.
• Last year, I traveled to Jordan.
• Last year, I didn't travel to Kuwait.
• She washed her car.
• He didn't wash his car.

7. Form
The form of Past Simple is the same for all persons.
Positive
I
He/She/It
We
You
They
worked
stopped
spoke
yesterday.

8. Negative
The negative of the Past Simple is formed with didn’t.
He waked.
He didn’t walk.
Negative
I
He/She/It
We
You
They
didn’t (did not)
arrive yesterday.

9. Yes/No questions
The question in the Past Simple is formed with did.
she arrived.
Question
She
Did
you
they
Etc.
Arrive yesterday?

10. Short answer
Short answer
Did you go to work yesterday?
Yes, I did.
Did it rain last night?
No, I didn’t

11. Let’s practice.
1. Last year I_____________________ (go) to England on holiday.
2. I ________________________(visit) lots of interesting places. I
was with two friends of mine .
3. In the mornings we_________________ (walk) in the streets of
London.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
In the evenings we____________________ (go) to pubs.
I ___________________ (not/study) because of the weather.
She__________________(bring) food for the party.
But we______________________ (see) some beautiful rainbows.
Where _______________________(spend / you) your last
holiday?