The document discusses the use of the verb "be" in the simple past tense. It states that "be" has two forms in the past - "was" and "were". It is used with adjectives, nouns, and locations. Subject + be + adjective/noun/location. The verb "be" is different from other verbs in that it is easier to form negatives and questions with it in the past tense. Questions are formed by changing the word order to be + subject.

1. BE – SIMPLE PAST
TENSEVERB
Writing Class

2. Be – simple past verb use
• In the past, BE has two forms: was and were:
I, he, she, it was
you, we, they were

3. Be – simple past verb use
• We use BE with adjectives, nouns, and locations.
Subject + BE + Adjective
I was happy yesterday.
It was nice last summer.

4. Be – simple past verb use
• We use BE with adjectives, nouns, and locations.
Subject + BE + Noun
It was a big house.
We were children.

5. Be – simple past verb use
• We use BE with adjectives, nouns, and locations.
Subject + BE + Location
My favorite restaurant was on 7th Street.
It was next to the river.

6. Be – simple past verb use
• The verb BE is different from other verbs.
• It’s easier to make negative sentences and questions.

7. Be – simple past verb use
• Negative sentences with BE
• No helping verb (did)
• Subject + BE + NOT
They were not in town.
Sally was not late.
• Short forms = wasn’t and weren’t
Mark and I weren’t downtown.

8. Be – simple past verb use
• With questions, we just change the word order.
• Statement: Subject + BE … .
I was busy last night.
She was in class.
The movie was interesting.
• Question: BE + Subject … ?
Were you busy last night?
Was she in class?
Was the movie interesting?