Grammar (Past Tense)
Definition of Past Tense
The past tense
refers to actions or events that happened before the present time (i.e.,
in the past). It tells us when something happened.
1. Simple Past Tense
Definition
Describes a completed
action that happened at a specific time in the past.
Common Time Adverbs
- yesterday
- last
night/week/month/year
- in 1990
- two days ago
- once / when
Structure
Subject
+ past form of verb (V2)
Examples:
- I watched
a movie yesterday.
- She visited
her grandparents last week.
- They won
the match two days ago.
2. Past Continuous Tense
Definition
Describes an ongoing
action that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Common Time Adverbs:
- while
- when
- at 5 PM
yesterday
- all evening
- during the
meeting
Structure:
Subject
+ was/were + verb-ing
Examples:
- I was
reading a book at 8 PM yesterday.
- They were
playing football when it started to rain.
- She was
cooking dinner while I was watching TV.
3. Past Perfect Tense
Definition
Describes an
action that happened before another action or point in the past.
Common Time Adverbs:
- already
- before
- after
- by the time
- when
Structure:
Subject
+ had + past participle (V3)
Examples:
- She had
left before I arrived.
- They had
finished the work by 5 PM.
- I had
already eaten when he came.
4. Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Definition:
Describes an ongoing
action that started before and continued up to another point in the past.
Common Time Adverbs:
- for
- since
- before
- when
- all day /
all morning
Structure:
Subject
+ had been + verb-ing
Examples:
- She had
been studying for three hours before dinner.
- They had
been living in London since 2010.
- I had
been waiting for her when the train arrived.
Summary Table
|
Tense |
Use |
Structure |
Time
Adverbs |
Example |
|
Simple Past |
Completed past
action |
V2 |
yesterday, ago,
last year |
I visited Nepal
last year. |
|
Past Continuous |
Action in
progress in past |
was/were +
V-ing |
while, at 5 PM,
when |
She was cooking
at 6 PM. |
|
Past Perfect |
Earlier past
action |
had + V3 |
before,
already, by the time |
He had left
before I came. |
|
Past Perfect
Continuous |
Ongoing action
before a point in the past |
had been +
V-ing |
for, since, all
day |
We had been
working since morning. |
B. Complete the texts below
using the correct past forms of the verbs from the bracket.
a.
The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the
Yucatan. However, their culture disappeared (disappear) by the time Europeans first arrived (arrive) in the New World.
b. When I turned (turn) on the radio yesterday, I heard (hear) a song that was popular when I was (be) at the basic level of my study. It took (take) me back to some old memories.
c. I was looking for a job. I applied (apply) for a job last week. Fortunately, I got (get) it and now I am a job holder.
C. Choose the correct words
from the list and complete the sentences with the correct verb form.
a.
Newton saw an apple falling from the tree.
b. Ramesh Bikal wrote many popular stories.
c. My jacket is expensive. It cost me Rs 5000.
d. She got up early in the morning yesterday.
e. When I was small, my father taught me at home.
f. Why did you throw the cap away?
D. Put the verb into the
correct form and complete the sentences.
a.
I went to see the film, but I did not it. (not/enjoy)
b. I met Rojina in town in a few days ago. (meet)
c. It was very warm, so I took off my coat. (take off)
d. Though the bed was very comfortable, I did not sleep very well. (not/sleep)
e. I started new job last week. (start)
g. He was too busy in the office yesterday. (be)
h. Nita invited her to the party, but she didn’t come.
(invite)
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