USE OF PAST SIMPLE TENSE

 

 

Use 1: Past actions that are now finished

The first use of the Past Simple to express actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions can be short or long.

• John cut his finger last week. short
• I went to college 3 years ago. long

 

Use 2: Situation in the past

Another use of this tense is talk about situations in the past.

• I lived in New York for 10 years (I don't live there anymore).

 

Use 3: A series of actions in the past

The Past Simple can also be used with a few actions in the past happening one after another.

• He entered a room, lit a cigarette and smiled at the guests.