Past Indefinite Tense: Structure, Rules and Examples

Master it with Exercises & Image-Based Activities

The Simple Past Indefinite Tense, also commonly known as the Simple Past Tense, or the Past Simple, is primarily used to describe actions or events that occurred and were completed at a point of time in the past. Let us look into the structure, rules, examples, and exercises in a fun manner.

With every present moment or day passing and quickly becoming the past, there is no way that the past tense can be kept out of our speech. With that simple reason, let’s get started on learning about the simple past indefinite tense right away.

Past Indefinite Tense Definition

Here are two dictionary definitions of the Simple Past Indefinite Tense:

The Cambridge Dictionary defines it thus: “Simple Past is the tense that is used to refer to events, actions, and conditions that occurred in the past“

The Merriam-Webster’s definition arrives at the same meaning as above with: “The Simple Past Tense is a verb tense expressing action or state in or, as if in the past, and without further specification of time.“

These definitions underline the basic function of the Simple Past Tense, which is to describe actions or states that occurred at a specific time in the past.

Past Indefinite Tense Examples

How about we see a few past indefinite tense examples in the positive, negative and interrogative or question forms.

What are V1 V2 and V3

Every tense has a fixed pattern, which makes it easy for learners to grasp the syntax of sentences correctly. This pattern is called the structure or as it has strangely come to be called in India, ‘the past indefinite tense formula’. For convenience, let us frame the structure using the commonly used terms for the three forms of a verb- the V1, V2 and V3.

But, what are the V1, V2 and V3 forms? This simply means that a verb can be used in the present tense, which we call the V1, the past tense, which we call the V2 and the past participle form, which we refer to as the V3.

For clarity, take a look at these basic sentences with some common verbs in all three forms of V1, V2, and V3. In this lesson, we are focused on the V2, i.e. the past forms of a verb.

Past Indefinite Tense Rules

Now, let us get a grip on the past indefinite tense rules to make proper sentences.

Past Indefinite Tense Formula

Did you notice that verbs 1 to 6 have a certain pattern, which is not to be found in verbs from 7 to 9? Well, the first 6 are called ‘regular verbs‘ that always add an ‘-ed’ in ‘V2’ to the base form a verb, or the V1 form of a verb. Words that take an altogether different word form for their V2 and V3 are called the irregular verbs.

You can find an elaborate list of V1, V2, and V3 forms, plus worksheets at this link.

The past tense formula (an Indian corruption of the word, structure) remains the same, but just that the V2 forms of irregular verbs are different from those of the predictable ‘-ed’ ending regular verbs, as you can notice in the past indefinite tense structure chart below.

Time Cues as Past Tense Words

Since the simple past indefinite tense always refers to completed past actions, there are certain words that are commonly used with this tense. Words like ago, back, last weekend (any time frame with last), formerly, in the past, etc. These are called the “Temporal Indicators” of the past tense.

The cue words may appear in the middle, but are often tagged at the end of the past tense sentences. Test-takers on IELTS, GMAT, SAT, and TOEFL must remember to quickly spot and identity sentences with these temporal words as being past tense sentences.

See the table below for the most common 15 cue words that signal the simple past tense. The table will also provide you with 15 past indefinite tense example sentences, sampling one for each cue word.

Past Tense Words

Here are the temporal words or the past time words in these past indefinite tense examples to learn from.

Let’s learned the slight differences in meanings of some of these words that refer to the past time frames.

Nuances: Formerly vs Previously, Back vs Ago

Know The Difference

“Formerly” and “previously” are similar in meaning, but their usage is slightly different:

“Formerly” typically refers to something that was the case in the past but is no longer true (at the present time). It emphasizes the change or transition from the past state to the present state.

• Example: “This building was formerly a school.” (It was a school in the past but now it is not.)

“Previously” simply means at an earlier time or before a particular event or point in time. It doesn’t necessarily imply a change or transition.

• Example: “He had worked at the company previously.” (He worked at the company before the current time. It implies either that he’s an ex-employee, or he might be rejoining, which brings up the discussion.)

To conclude “formerly” emphasizes the change from a past state to a present state, while “previously” simply refers to something that occurred before a specific time or event.

Back versus Ago: Know the Difference

Here’s how “back” and “ago” differ:

“Back” typically refers to a point in time that is the recent past, but it can be used to refer to a range of time, including very recent past moments. It’s often used in casual speech to refer to something that happened shortly before the current moment.

• Examples:
• He left five minutes back.
• Call me back!
• I’ll be back soon!
• “He called me back a few minutes ago.” (Here, “back” is used to refer to a very recent past moment, just a few minutes before the current moment.)

“Ago” specifically refers to a point in time that is earlier than the present moment, and it is commonly used to indicate longer periods of time into the past. It’s typically used with specific units of time (e.g., minutes ago, hours ago, days ago, years ago).

• Examples:
• A long time ago, ….(Stories begin this way!)
• “She moved to the city three years ago.” (Here, “ago” is used to indicate a time three years before the current moment.)

In summary, while both “back” and “ago” refer to past moments, but “back” can refer to a very recent past moments, while “ago” is specifically used to indicate a point in time that is further away into the past from the present moment, often for longer periods of time into the past.

Past Indefinite Tense Affirmative Sentences

Let us look at some sentences for the past indefinite tense

Image-Based Past Indefinite Tense Exercise 1

Now that you have taken a thorough look at the past indefinite tense rules, structure, and examples, it is time to practice some free speech. Here’s the first past indefinite tense exercise.

Look at the image below and speak for over 1 to 2 minutes. You could use the verbs suggested below.

Suggested Regular Verbs:

gather, unload, set, check, adjust, fine-tune, brief, highlight, strap, fasten, distribute, fill, pose, smile, complete, set.

Sample Answer

Before setting off on the marathon, the bicyclists gathered at the starting point early in the morning. They unloaded their bicycles from the trailers and set them up. They ensured everything was in proper working order. Some riders meticulously checked their tire pressure and adjusted their seats for optimum comfort. Others adjusted their gear ratios and fine-tuned their bikes for the long journey ahead.

The team captain briefed everyone on the route. He highlighted the precautions for the challenging terrain or potential hazards. They strapped on their helmets and fastened their water bottles securely to their bikes. Energy bars and electrolyte drinks were distributed among the cyclists, providing fuel for the rigorous ride ahead.

Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the group posed for a pre-marathon photo. Everyone smiled for the picture. Once they completed the preparations, they set out on the marathon, eager to conquer the miles ahead.

16 Regular Verb Forms Used Ending in ‘-ed’:

Notice how many regular verbs were used here: gathered, unloaded, set, checked, adjusted, fine-tuned, briefed, highlighted, strapped, fastened, distributed, filled, posed, smiled, completed, set.

Past Indefinite Tense Negative Sentences

Let’s now make some past indefinite tense negative sentences. Note how the irregular V1 verbs take a new word form in the V2 past tense.

See more examples of the past tense ‘ed’ forms at the great resource here.

Image-Based Past Indefinite Tense Exercise 2

Look at the image below. This is how these kids spend the afternoon yesterday. Describe from the image the actions of these kids in past tense or past indefinite tense. Use at least 5 verbs. Here is a set of suggested verbs. Use as many as you can and bring in more verbs as you desire. You could speak or write out a description.

Suggested Verbs:

Verbs: want, spend, wander, sit, pull, start, play, excite, watch, demonstrate, observe, request, agree, try, enjoy, return

Sample Answer

“Three little boys wanted to have some fun. They spent the Sunday together. They wandered around some familiar places. Then they sat outside an old temple. One of them pulled out his smartphone. He started showing some games he usually plays on his phone.

The kids got excited as they watched him play. He demonstrated the game to them. They observed keenly to grasp the rules of the game. They requested him to let them have a turn to play the game too. He agreed and the other two boys tried out the game too. They enjoyed their time together. They agreed to meet again the next Sunday, and they each returned home!”

16 Regular and Irregular Verbs Used

Notice the mix of regular and irregular verbs used here: wanted, spent, wandered, sat, pulled, started, played, excited, watched, demonstrated, observed, requested, agreed, tried, enjoyed, returned

Additional Past Tense Exercise: Transpose

Transpose the infinitive forms of the verbs, seen in red in the sample answer above into past indefinite tense sentences: to grasp, to let, to meet.

Past Indefinite Tense Interrogative Sentences

It’s about time to delve into the past indefinite tense interrogative sentences. Take a look at the structure and attempt to make a sentence with the past V2 forms of the given V1 verb. Refer to the example sentence for extra practice.

Past Indefinite Tense Sentences

Negative Interrogative Examples

When you expect a certain verb action to happen but it doesn’t or something or someone makes you doubt the happening of the action, you tend to use the negative past indefinite interrogative form.

Make WH- Questions with Past Indefinite Tense Structure

Once you learn to make the past indefinite interrogation forms, making further WH- questions, i.e. when-why-where-who-whom-how question forms becomes easy as cake! Just two things to do:

• The WH- Questions go at the beginning of the sentence.
• Did drops the capital as it is not the sentence starter anymore!

For instance, take one of this previous indefinite past example sentence:

• “Did she cut her hair short?“
• Tag WHEN to result in: “When did she cut her hair short?“

See more examples below from the past indefinite interrogative question examples above:

Catch the Nuances of the Negative Questions!

Again, in the set of ‘Past Indefinite Negative Interrogative Sentences‘ the emphasis is on the non-occurrence of the verb action, which could imply feelings of sarcasm, frustration, annoyance and the like too. First, let us look at the WH- additions:

Therefore, these sentences could imply:

1. Why did he not ride his bike to work? –-> meaning ‘Of course, he always drives his bike to work.‘
2. Why did you not bring samosas to the picnic? –> meaning ‘You were expected to bring samosas to the picnic -because you were told to, or you said so yourself!)
3. When did he not come late? –> meaning, “It’s a known fact that he is always late.“

Understanding these nuances is what being a ‘fluent speaker’ is all about!

Past Indefinite Tense Exercise:

Practice converting the questions from the tables above with the WH- questions suggested in the brackets:

1. Did you read before going to bed?? (What)
2. Did the dog not bite the robber? (Why)
3. Did you watch a movie last night? (Which)
4. Did you not watch the show last night? (Why)
5. Did she not buy those shoes? (Why)
6. Did you go to the museum? (When)

Answers:

1. What did you read before going to bed?
2. Why did the dog not bite the robber?
3. Which movie did you watch last night?
4. Why did you not watch the show last night?
5. Why did she not buy those shoes?
6. When did you go to the museum?.

FAQs

Conclusion

This lesson on the past indefinite tense of the simple past tense has given you a solid grounding on all there is to know, from rules, structures, examples, and image-based exercises. But there is more along to past tense continuum to perfect your English. Get thorough with the simple past tense worksheets as well as take the lesson on Reported Speech.

Click on the links below to access the simple past tense worksheets, V1 V2 V3 Verb forms and exercises, and Reported Speech.

5 Simple Past Tense Worksheet Sets with Answer Keys
Verb Forms V1 V2 V3 to V5
Reported Speech with Examples and Exercises

Or, try articles of general interest:

• Fruits Encyclopedia Pillar Page (Links to 8 posts on different Fruit types)
• Picture Composition- 40 to fit any level (Links to 6 posts for Grade 1 to Grade 6)
• Master Pillar page for Picture Descriptions (Links to 5 Basic to Intermediate picture-tasks for adults)