1.5 the simple past

1. 1.5 THE SIMPLE PAST Page 16

2. A. WE USE THE SIMPLE PAST TO TALK
ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS DISTANT
FROM US IN SOME WAY.
Usually, the simple past signals that an action,
state or event was completed at definite time in
the past.
The modern Olympics started in 1896 and
became an international event in 1924.
In 1998, Tara Lipinski won an Olympic Gold
Medal. She was just 15 years old at the time.
We didn’t get to see the Games.

3. A. WE USE THE SIMPLE PAST TO TALK
ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS DISTANT
FROM US IN SOME WAY.
Occasionally, we use the simple past to show
social or psychological distance:
Simple Past Simple Present
Did you still want to
read my novel?
Do you still want to
read my novel?
I just wanted to say
one thing.
I just want to say one
thing.

4. B. WE OFTEN USE A TIME
EXPRESSION IN A SENTENCE WITH
THE SIMPLE PAST.
These expressions describe a specific time in
the recent or distant past:
In 2002, we moved to New York. We lived there
for two years, and then we moved to India.
Mozart composed music throughout his short
life.
During the 1800’s, many people moved across
the country.
I came to the United States six years ago.

5. B. WE OFTEN USE A TIME
EXPRESSION IN A SENTENCE WITH
THE SIMPLE PAST.
When we use a time clause to identify a time in
the past, it’s important to use the simple past
in both parts of the sentence.
When we moved to India, we didn’t have much
money.
When I was younger, I had a lot of big plans.
He stopped playing football after he hurt his
knee in a game.

6. C. CORRECT THE COMMON ERRORS:
INCORRECT CORRECT
X Later, I remember that I was
not well prepared to take the
test.
Later, I remembered that I was
not well prepared to take the
test.
X We didn’t want to leave home
because we want to take care
of our grandparents.
We didn’t want to leave home
because we wanted to take
care of our grandparents.
X Although she looked nice
when she wear that suit, she
didn’t look comfortable in it.
Although she looked nice when
she wore that suit, she didn’t
look comfortable in it.
X When I got there, I sat and
think for awhile.
When I got there, I sat and
thought for awhile.