This document discusses the use of the simple past tense in English. The simple past tense is used to describe single completed actions that occurred at a definite time in the past, specific past events even if the time is not mentioned, and periods of time in the past that are now finished. It also notes that the simple past tense should always be used when describing an event or time period that happened in conjunction with the word "ago".

1. USE OF PAST TENSE

2. We use the simple past tense for a single completed action at a definite past time : John watched TV yesterday.

3. We use the simple past tense for a specific past event even though we do not mention the time : I bought my car in San Diego.

4. We also use the simple past tense for a period of time in the past that is now finished : Susan lived in Los Angeles for five years. Bill worked at Mitsubishi from 1993 to 1995.

5. Always use the simple past tense with ago . Mrs. Houghton visited France three months ago.