Past Tense

The Past Tense

The past tense is used to express an event or
action that has occurred in the past.

The past tense can change the verb in the

sentence, adding either a –ed or an –ing.
 Past Simple
The past simple is used to describe and event
or action that has occurred at a specific time
in the past that have now finished.

I ate breakfast this morning

I lived in Paris 5 years ago
I retired from work last week
 Past Continuous
The past continuous is used to talk about an event or action that
last for sometime in the past.
I was sleeping on the couch
The dog was barking all morning

It can also be used to describe events happening at the same time

(while/when).
I was studying while she was cooking
While I was working he was watching TV

Finally it can be used to describe event that were interrupted.

I was singing when my brother came home
 Past Perfect
The past perfect is used when we are talking
about 2 events or actions that have occurred
in the past. The events occur one after the
other, never at the same time.

I had to finish my English work before I went home

Before I came home, I had spoken to Jack

This form is commonly used when reporting

on the news.
 Past Perfect Continuous
The past perfect continuous is formed using
HAD + BEEN + -ing, and is used to discuss actions
or events that were happening for a length of
time before another event or action occurred.
They had been fighting for over an hour before the police came.
We had been dating for 5 years before we got married

It can also be used to show cause

John was in prison, because he had been fighting
 Practice

Think about your life ten years ago.

Where did you live?

Who did you live with?
What did you do – work, study?
What were your hobbies?
What was important to you?
What was a typical day like?

Make some notes and prepare to tell your partner!

 Recap!

When do we use the past tense?

What are the four past tense forms?
Can you give me an example of each?