Escape Campus
Back
Reference Centre

Language, when you need it

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

🧩 Need More Practice?

Lesson 33 grammar

Past simple — irregular verbsThere was / there were (past)
Module 1 · A0 Foundations

The first grammar you need.

Module 2 · A1 Core Grammar

The next step — actions, ability, and time.

What it is

Irregular verbs form the past with a special word (go → went, see → saw). Only the positive form is irregular — didn't and did use the base verb.

Look

  • go → went, have → had, see → saw
  • eat → ate, make → made, come → came
  • do → did, get → got, say → said, take → took

Form

Positivesubject + irregular past formHe went to Rome.
Negativesubject + didn't + base verbHe didn't go to Rome.
QuestionDid + subject + base verb?Did he go to Rome?
Short answerYes, he did. · No, he didn't.No, he didn't.

Use it when

  • You narrate past events with common verbs.
  • You answer questions about your day or trip.
  • You need a verb that -ed does not fit.

More examples

  • I had a sandwich for lunch.
  • We took a taxi home.
  • She didn't say anything.
  • Did you see the message?

Watch out!

  • I goed home.

    I went home.

  • She eated an apple.

    She ate an apple.

Quick check

Yesterday I ___ to the park.

He ___ pizza for dinner.

Lesson 33
🧩 Need more practice? Try Extra Practice
Module 3 · A1+ Extending Grammar

Comparing, planning, and connecting ideas.

What it is

The past of 'there is / there are'. It says what existed in a place or a situation in the past.

Look

  • There was a party last night.
  • There were many people.
  • There wasn't any food left.

Form

PositiveThere was + singular / uncountable · There were + pluralThere were three shops on the corner.
NegativeThere wasn't + a / any · There weren't + anyThere weren't any shops nearby.
QuestionWas there + a / any …? · Were there + any …?Were there any shops nearby?
Short answerYes, there was / were. · No, there wasn't / weren't.No, there weren't.

Use it when

  • You describe a past place or event: There were lots of people.
  • You tell a story: There was a small hotel by the sea.
  • You compare then and now.

More examples

  • Were there any tickets?
  • There was a lot of traffic this morning.
  • There weren't many students in class.
  • Was there a problem?
  • There wasn't any hot water.

Watch out!

  • There were a party.

    There was a party.

  • There was many people.

    There were many people.

Quick check

___ a book on the desk.

___ three cats in the garden.

Lesson 33
🧩 Need more practice? Try Extra Practice