Simple Past Tense

 Simple Past Tense

The simple past indicates that an activity or situation began and ended at particular time in the past. Time words which usually indicate the simple past tense are ago, yesterday, last week, last month, just now, etc. In simple past, the stressing is in time words.

Pattern

a.       Nominal

(+)  S + was/were + non verb

(-)   S + was/were + not + non verb

(?)  was/were + S + non verb?

b.      Verbal

(+)  S + V2 + O

(-)   S + did not + V1 + O

(?)  Did + S + V1 + O?

If a sentence contains ‘when’ and has the simple past in both clauses, the action in the ‘when clause’ happens first.

·         I stood under a tree when it began to rain. (first: the rain began, second: I stood under a tree)

Examples :

·         I bought a new bag three days ago.

·         He lived in Gianyar  five years ago, but now he is living in Sukawati.

·         I went to Nusa Dua when I celebrated my birthday.