Past simple

use

example

for repeated actions in the past

for short, completed actions at a definite

time in the past (sometimes the time is

not mentioned but is understood)

for telling stories in which one thing

happened after another

for completed situations in the past

We walked in the park every morning.

We left at 6 p m.

She said goodbye, opened the door and left the house.

My grandparents lived in Corfu for many years.

use

example

for temporary, continuing situations in the past

for background information about the weather; what people were doing or wearing

for an action in the past which is interrupted by another

He was standing next to the window.

The children were all wearing new clothes.

The sun was shining as we drove along the coast.

use

example

for recently completed actions

(without a definite time)

for recently completed actions (with just)

for actions in the past which are still

important in the present

for actions or situations which started in

the past and continue up to the present

(often used with since, for)

for past actions which refer to an

unknown, incomplete time (often used

with never, ever)

with the superlative

I’ve finished my homework.

He has just washed the car.

He has painted many wonderful pictures.

They have walked to school every day for two years. He has lived in this town since 1980.

Have you ever visited Australia?

He has never been in a plane.

This is the best holiday I’ve ever had.