Understanding Finished Past Events
The Past Simple is used to talk about actions that started and finished in the past. Think of it like taking a photo of something that happened – it’s a complete moment in time.
When to Use Past Simple
We use Past Simple for:
– Actions that happened at a specific time
– Actions that are completely finished
– Actions that happened one after another
– Actions that happened at a specific time
– Actions that are completely finished
– Actions that happened one after another
Examples
I watched TV last night.A finished action at a specific time (last night)
She visited Paris in 2020.A completed trip in the past with specific time
We played football, had dinner, then went to bed.Series of completed actions in order
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I have watched TV yesterday
✅ Correct: I watched TV yesterday
Explanation: With specific past time expressions (yesterday, last week, in 2020), always use Past Simple
❌ Incorrect: I was watch TV
✅ Correct: I watched TV
Explanation: Past Simple uses the base verb + ed (or irregular form), not ‘was’ + base verb