Past tenses in English
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In this part of the course you will learn all about the English past tense. The English tense has the following past tenses:
This chapter will show you an overview of when to use the different past tenses. For a more detailed explanation of the tenses you can take a look at the different chapters of this course, where you will also find exercises to practice the tenses.
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The simple past of the English regular verbs are formed by adding '-ed' to the infinitive of the verb.
For the past perfect the verbs 'to have' and 'to be' are used in the past tense together with the past participle.
The past continuous is formed with the past simple of the auxiliary verb 'to be' and the present participle of the verb.
To form the past perfect continuous the past perfect of the verb 'to be' is used followed by the present participle of the main verb (verb + ing).
The table below gives you an overview of the different past tenses in English.
Tense | Usage | Example |
---|---|---|
Past simple | The past simple is used for describing a completed action that took place in the past. |
|
Past perfect | The past perfect is used to indicate that an action in the past occurred before another action also in the past. |
|
Past continuous | The past continuous is used to describe actions starting in the past and are still continuing in the present. |
|
Past perfect continuous | The past perfect continuous is used to describe actions that were going on in the past until another action in the past occurred. |
|
Do the exercise to practice the different tenses!
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She in bed since this morning. (to lay)
They each other before they went out for dinner. (to meet)
I to the beach, but then it started to rain. (to go)
He me letters since 2011. (to write)
They yesterday evening. (to arrive)
We my uncle yesterday. (to visit)
He his lunch this morning. (to make)
She not at the office on Monday. (to work)
They not the game yesterday. (to watch)
I to eat my breakfast when I left home. (to forget)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
Last week we to the swimming pool. (to go)
The car crashed where I only 10 minutes before. (to walk)
He our dishwasher that a couple of days before. (to repair, to break)
While my mother dinner, I television. (to cook, to watch)
They where their mother was. (to ask)
It for two weeks, so the land was dry. (to rain)
There no milk left, the cat it all. (to be, to drink)
My father me that my brother not his room. (to tell, to clean)
When she her mother, she groceries. (to phone, to buy)
We about the project after school. (to talk)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He her a postcard 2 weeks ago. (to send)
you during the movie? (to cry)
She her essay since last night. (to type)
I when you me. (to sleep, to rin)
They their nails on Friday. (to polish)
Kim and Joan their clothes at the market last weekend. (to sell)
We never such a big city before we to New York City. (to see, to go)
We Spain in 2014, before I there in 2016. (to visit, to move)
You still when the doorbell . (to eat, to ring)
I my presentation since last week. (to prepare)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She her mother for an hour before she had to leave. (to call)
We 2 km last week. (to run)
They each other since they working together. (to hate, to start)
I still dinner at 10 o'clock. (to have)
He that car for a week, before it was broken into. (to have)
The boy not attention in class, because he . (to pay attention, to talk)
Yesterday she at 9 o'clock. (to wake up)
The train when I at the station. (to leave, to arrive)
My brothers television while I . (to watch, to study)
They to the supermarket the other day. (to go)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She in bed since this morning. (to lay)
They each other before they went out for dinner. (to meet)
I to the beach, but then it started to rain. (to go)
He me letters since 2011. (to write)
They yesterday evening. (to arrive)
We my uncle yesterday. (to visit)
He his lunch this morning. (to make)
She not at the office on Monday. (to work)
They not the game yesterday. (to watch)
I to eat my breakfast when I left home. (to forget)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
Last week we to the swimming pool. (to go)
The car crashed where I only 10 minutes before. (to walk)
He our dishwasher that a couple of days before. (to repair, to break)
While my mother dinner, I television. (to cook, to watch)
They where their mother was. (to ask)
It for two weeks, so the land was dry. (to rain)
There no milk left, the cat it all. (to be, to drink)
My father me that my brother not his room. (to tell, to clean)
When she her mother, she groceries. (to phone, to buy)
We about the project after school. (to talk)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He her a postcard 2 weeks ago. (to send)
you during the movie? (to cry)
She her essay since last night. (to type)
I when you me. (to sleep, to rin)
They their nails on Friday. (to polish)
Kim and Joan their clothes at the market last weekend. (to sell)
We never such a big city before we to New York City. (to see, to go)
We Spain in 2014, before I there in 2016. (to visit, to move)
You still when the doorbell . (to eat, to ring)
I my presentation since last week. (to prepare)
Fill in the English past tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She her mother for an hour before she had to leave. (to call)
We 2 km last week. (to run)
They each other since they working together. (to hate, to start)
I still dinner at 10 o'clock. (to have)
He that car for a week, before it was broken into. (to have)
The boy not attention in class, because he . (to pay attention, to talk)
Yesterday she at 9 o'clock. (to wake up)
The train when I at the station. (to leave, to arrive)
My brothers television while I . (to watch, to study)
They to the supermarket the other day. (to go)
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My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
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We only did two lessons but it seems to me that Alessia has understood what I need! She is very good and knows all the terms and idioms of everyday life, just what I need! :)
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Hello everyone,
I have a master degree in teaching with 10 years of experience. My lessons cover a wide range of topics from science to literature. I create the learning plan according to the learner's needs. If you are looking for both enjoyable and helpful experience in English and Turkish languages for all levels, schedule a meeting with me!
See you..
Merhaba,
10 yıllık öğretmenlik deneyimiyle birlikte, eğitim alanında yüksek lisans mezunuyum. Derslerim bilimden edebiyata kadar geniş yelpazede bir çok konuyu kapsamaktadır. Öğretim planını her öğrencinin ihtiyacına göre, bireysel olarak hazırlamaktayım. Türkçe ve İngilizce dillerinde keyifli ve öğretici bir deneyim yaşamak isteyen herkes derslerime davetlidir.
Görüşmek üzere..
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I took one hour class from Nora B. Teacher and I could say that it was professional and well organized. Teacher ask you first what your purpose is. Then she organizes the schedule. Also she sends lesson materials via email. I deeply recommend her.
Cagla B.
Dear Selo, Thank you. I wish you the best of luck and success on your preparation of lELTS exam.
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I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
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Hi! I am Francesca and have a degree in specialised translation and interpreting cum laude. I have been working in the field of translation and teaching for about three years.
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She's very smart, professional, and pretty. She quickly understood my need as a learner and I had fun talking with her. She creates an atmosphere in class that makes students feel free to speak. Will book again.
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-About Me
Hi! My name is Daniel. I'm 26 years old and I currently live in Seville, Spain. I have been teaching Spanish for 4 years now because I love to teach my language and culture to others. I'm interested in movies, especially french cinema of Nouvelle Vague, literature and music of all genres.
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I graduated in Hispanic Philology with a master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language at University of Sevilla with more than 3 years of experience teaching Spanish to students from different nationalities, countries, ages and levels (from absolutely begginer to C2).
I have worked with USA and Erasmus university students, refugees with any knowledge of Spanish, British, Chinese or Koreans students, among others. For doing that I have prepared personalized lessons based on the needs and interests of the students.
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Daniel has over 4 years of teaching experience. He has experience in teaching online, offline and to people from all different cultural backgrounds. He teaches all levels from A1 to C2. Furthermore, he has a broad variety of learning materials available for each level. You will surely learn a lot from him!
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Laurie has been working since 2016. She teaches French from the levels A1 until C1. Her learning materials are very interactive, games, quizzes, videos etc. You will surely learn a lot from her!
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Angelina is a fantastic teacher! She helps me out in revising my English papers with enthusiasm and patience! I recommend her.
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Hello! I am a CELTA-qualified native English teacher offering lessons carefully tailored to your needs. Learn by dynamic conversation exchange, written pieces, songs lyrics, podcasts, and fun and challenging exercises.
I have a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and have been rock climbing for about 25 years. As an Italian language learner myself, I believe that talking about your passions is one of the most effective ways of mastering a new language. I look forward to hearing about your interests!
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Melissa is a great teacher. The lessons are just what I was looking for: conversation, writting, grammar..
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I am an English language teacher with a strong academic background and a love of languages. I enjoy helping people to develop their ability to use English in different contexts.
I have the internationally recognised Cambridge CELTA qualification (Pass A) in English language teaching. I am teaching English to those learning for professional reasons or academic study as well as those learning for personal reasons or holidays. I am able to teach all levels from beginner to advanced (CEFR Levels A1-C2). I usually teach adults.
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I have been trained in the ‘communicative approach’ to language teaching. This approach is based on the idea that the best way for us to learn a language is through using it in communication that is meaningful for us. My lessons will help you to learn English through using it in activities and tasks that are connected to your reasons for learning English and your wider interests. The lessons will include vocabulary, grammar and other aspects of language as well as the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, depending on your priorities. I would like to have some background information about you, including why you are learning English, your professional and/or personal interests and your first language. I can then create lessons that meet your individual needs with activities that are personalised for you.
I have also been trained in teaching English online and I am familiar with a range of digital tools that can make the lessons effective and interesting. I am also familiar with several sources of professionally designed study materials that are publicly available for adaptation for different learners. I will give you feedback on your strengths and on how to improve. I can also give guidance on homework and other resources you can access, if this is of interest to you.
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I have experience of learning languages myself, including Mandarin and Turkish, which I really enjoy. I hope that you will enjoy my English lessons.
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Emily is a native speaker, this is why she is an ideal teacher if you want to learn more than only the English language. She teaches to adults and to all levels A1 until C2. She has lots of different and interactive learning materials. Overall, she is a great teacher, and you will surely learn a lot from her.
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Hi, my name is Veronika.
I am a native Russian language speaker who is certified in teaching Russian as a foreign language. I am a member of Association for Language Learning and I hold a degree in Journalism as well as a Master’s in Philological Sciences.
I have lived in the UK since 2012 and have taught Russian at different levels both face to face and online. I understand the challenges of learning a language and the importance of classes that are both enjoyable and enable good progress. All my lessons are therefore planned according to individual needs using textbooks as well as my own materials and authentic Russian language sources.
I have always been interested in language acquisition, passionate about teaching and highly focused upon helping learners achieve their language goals.
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Vanessa has over 10 years of teaching experience. She teaches the levels from A1 until C1. She cannot only teach you the language but also educate you on the relevant cultural topics related to the Spanish language. Furthermore, she will also be able to help you with industry specific vocabulary if necessary. Her lessons are completely adjusted to you and your needs.
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Hey everyone!
My name is Ashlyn, and I am a native English speaker from New Zealand :) I love to create lessons for my students to help them make their English language journey as enjoyable as possible! I am an online university student studying history and social anthropology.
I have two years of teaching experience in private English language schools, and I also have a CELTA certificate. Therefore, I know how to teach English effectively and create lessons to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
I love to use technology in the classroom, and I always create fun and colourful PowerPoint presentations to guide us through the lesson. I am always open to suggestions from my students. If you want to focus more on certain topics or activities, I am happy to make that possible for you.
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She speaks very clearly and she uses her time very well. She plans the lessons based on your interests and make it very fun. She has very good energy and I recommend her to everyone..
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Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
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We only did two lessons but it seems to me that Alessia has understood what I need! She is very good and knows all the terms and idioms of everyday life, just what I need! :)
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Hello everyone,
I have a master degree in teaching with 10 years of experience. My lessons cover a wide range of topics from science to literature. I create the learning plan according to the learner's needs. If you are looking for both enjoyable and helpful experience in English and Turkish languages for all levels, schedule a meeting with me!
See you..
Merhaba,
10 yıllık öğretmenlik deneyimiyle birlikte, eğitim alanında yüksek lisans mezunuyum. Derslerim bilimden edebiyata kadar geniş yelpazede bir çok konuyu kapsamaktadır. Öğretim planını her öğrencinin ihtiyacına göre, bireysel olarak hazırlamaktayım. Türkçe ve İngilizce dillerinde keyifli ve öğretici bir deneyim yaşamak isteyen herkes derslerime davetlidir.
Görüşmek üzere..
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I took one hour class from Nora B. Teacher and I could say that it was professional and well organized. Teacher ask you first what your purpose is. Then she organizes the schedule. Also she sends lesson materials via email. I deeply recommend her.
Cagla B.
Dear Selo, Thank you. I wish you the best of luck and success on your preparation of lELTS exam.
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I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
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Daniel is a wonderful teacher. He can deduce what the needs of each student are and make the class in an entertaining and enriching way. I definitely recommend this teacher!
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Olesya is an enthusiastic new teacher. She has lots of learning materials, and she teaches interactive classes. She is very patient and will certainly help you learn Russian in a fun manner!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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1 Past simple tense in English | Learn all about the past simple tense in English. |
2 Past perfect tense in English | Learn all about the past perfect tense in English. |
3 Past continuous tense in English | Learn all about the past continuous tense in English. |
4 Past perfect continuous tense in English | Learn all about the past perfect continuous tense in English. |