Past simple

[luke]

This is the practice thread for the past simple tense. Include your sentence as a reply to this thread and I'll check it.

The past simple tense is of the form subject + base form(d or ed)
It is used in the following ways;

When we are told the time – I started that cake 15 minutes ago
When the time is asked – When was your birthday?
Referring to time without stating what it is – I went on a long journey
When the time becomes known and changes to present perfect – Why have you done that? I have done it because it was necessary. Why was that?

[Learneng]

Yesterday, I went to the supermarket.
I wanted to tell you something but I can't remember it now.
He left for the airport in the morning.
She finished her homework last night.
I finished my tea a while ago.

[luke]

Hey Learneng,

These sentences are mostly correct, well done. Be aware that the second changes the tense from the past. If you were trying to attempt the change in tense to the present perfect, note that this is usually done with a question in past simple and the answer in the present perfect (as in my example)

Yesterday, I went to the supermarket.
I wanted to tell you something but I can't remember it now - This changes the tense
He left for the airport in the morning.
She finished her homework last night.
I finished my tea a while ago.

[Cayte]

Luke and Learneng,

   Instead of writing several sentences using Past Simple tense, I decided to put them into a passage. 

   My former boss admitted that she hadn't studied the material for Series 6 examination. It was quite surprising to find out that she passed the test. She would have been fired if she hadn't passed it within 90 days.  It's a company rule that applies to the Financial Advisors or those whose subordinates possess this type of license. As the manager, she will strive professionally and educationally.  (In case you're interested in working for any Financial Institutions, this is something you should know. Possess the Series 6, 7, or 35 license before being considered for a position or pass the exam within 90 days after being hired.)

[luke]

Hi Cayte,

You can include whatever you want to check your tenses, the sentences are only there as an example. I'll underline all the examples of the past simple tense to make ti easier to understand:

~~~

My former boss admitted that she hadn't studied the material for the Series 6 examination. It was quite surprising to find out that she had passed the test. She would have been fired if she hadn't passed it within 90 days (of something).  It's a company rule that applies to the Financial Advisors and those whose subordinates possess this type of license. As a manager, she will strive professionally and educationally.  (In case you're interested in working for any Financial Institutions, this is something you should know. You must be awarded the Series 6, 7, or 35 license before being considered for a position or pass the exam within 90 days after being hired.)

[Cayte]

Wow! I did pretty good, didn't I?

[luke]

Very good indeed, keep them coming!

[Learneng]

We had our vice presidential debate a week ago and the Republican nominee Sara Palin did a wonderful job in spite of being criticized by the media, who was skeptical about her knowledge. I felt she was right on point and answered all the question very well. It was the first and last debate between vice presidential candidates. Everyone was curious to know that who won the debate. There were many controversial polls claiming their authenticity declared Biden (VP candidate from the Democrat) won while some said Sara won.