Past simple negative and questions

A1 Beginner

The past simple negative and question forms use the auxiliary verb 'did' to talk about finished actions in the past.

Overview

To form negatives and questions in the past simple, we use the auxiliary verb did. Unlike the affirmative form, the main verb does not change to the past tense; it stays in the infinitive form.

Negative Form

subject + did not (didn't) + infinitive

Use did not or the contraction didn't followed by the base form of the verb. This form is the same for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).

Question Form

Did + subject + infinitive?

Place did at the beginning of the sentence for yes/no questions. For WH- questions, place the question word before did.

Examples

Common mistakes

I didn't went to the store.
I didn't go to the store.
Do not use the past tense form of the main verb with 'didn't'. Use the infinitive.
Did you saw the doctor?
Did you see the doctor?
In questions, 'did' already indicates the past tense, so the main verb must be in the base form.

Practice

Change this sentence to a negative: 'She called her mother.'
Show answer
She didn't call her mother.
Answer:She didn't call her mother.
Why:To make a negative, add 'didn't' and change the verb 'called' back to the infinitive 'call'.
Turn this statement into a question: 'They liked the food.'
Show answer
Did they like the food?
Answer:Did they like the food?
Why:Start the question with 'did' and use the base form 'like' instead of 'liked'.
Complete the sentence: 'Where ____ you ____ (stay) in London?'
Show answer
did / stay
Answer:did / stay
Why:Questions in the past simple require the auxiliary 'did' and the infinitive 'stay'.