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Language, when you need it

Search simple A0/A1 rules, words and speaking phrases without hunting through past lessons.

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Module 1 Β· A0 Foundations

The first grammar you need.

Module 2 Β· A1 Core Grammar

The next step β€” actions, ability, and time.

What it is

The past simple of regular verbs adds -ed. It reports a finished action at a finished time.

Look

  • I worked yesterday.
  • She played tennis.
  • They didn't play.

Form

Positivesubject + verb + -edWe watched a film.
Negativesubject + didn't + base verbWe didn't watch a film.
QuestionDid + subject + base verb?Did you watch a film?
Short answerYes, we did. Β· No, we didn't.Yes, we did.

Form

Positive

I / you / he / she / we / theyverb + ed

Negative & question

didn't+ base verb
Did+ subject + base verb ?

Use it when

  • You tell a story about yesterday or last week.
  • You report a completed action.
  • You answer 'What did you do…?'

Remember

  • After did / didn't β†’ base verb (no -ed)

More examples

  • Did you play?
  • She called me twice.
  • They arrived late.
  • I didn't finish the book.
  • Did he study last night?

Say it: -ed sounds: /t/ worked, /d/ played, /Ιͺd/ wanted.

Watch out!

  • She played not.

    She didn't play.

  • Did you played?

    Did you play?

Quick check

I ___ TV last night.

___ you cook dinner?

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What it is

Past time expressions place a finished action on the timeline: yesterday, last …, … ago, in + year.

Look

  • I saw him yesterday.
  • She travelled last summer.
  • We met two weeks ago.

Form

Positivesubject + past verb + time expressionI moved here two years ago.
Negativesubject + didn't + verb + time expressionI didn't work last Saturday.
QuestionWhen + did + subject + base verb?When did you move here?
Short answerTime expression only.Two years ago.

Use it when

  • You say exactly when something happened.
  • You start or end a story.
  • You answer 'When…?' about the past.

More examples

  • We met in 2019.
  • She phoned an hour ago.
  • Last summer was very hot.
  • I saw him the day before yesterday.

Watch out!

  • two years last

    two years ago

Quick check

I visited Rome ___ year.

We met three months ___.

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Module 3 Β· A1+ Extending Grammar

Comparing, planning, and connecting ideas.