Grammar | Simple Past Tense | Definition and Examples

 

Grammar

THE SIMPLE PAST

 _ Definition:   

The Simple Past refers to DEFINITE TIME within the Past, which can be identified by:

 a) A hobby adverbial within the same sentence.

 b) The preceding language context.

 c) The context outside language.

_ The simple past:

Examples:

 a) Peter WAS BORN in 1965. (Past action where the time is given).

 b) We MET them YESTERDAY.

 c) John HAS become engaged; IT TOOK us completely by surprise; (The time within the past the action clearly happened at a particular time within the past though this point isn't mentioned)

 d) The train WAS ten minutes late.

 f) DID the postman BRING any letters?

_ The Simple Past is employed because it's understood that respectively the train & the postman come and out in a particular time albeit this point isn't mentioned.

NOTE: 

 A) a correct Noun can, because of its definite meaning, provide the conditions for the utilization of the straightforward Past:

e.g.: -Presley WAS an excellent singer; (it's implied that Elvis is dead or a minimum of is not any longer a practicing singer).

 B) the straightforward Past also implies a niche between the time mentioned and therefore the present moment:

e.g.: -His sister WAS an invalid all her life. (She is dead now)

       -His sister HAS BEEN an invalid all her life. (She remains alive)

 C) the straightforward Past also used for a PAST HABIT:

e.g.: -Once I WAS in England, I DRANK tea with breakfast.

       -He always CARRIED an umbrella.

 D) the straightforward Past is additionally wont to express politeness:

e.g.: -DID you would like to see me now? (Sounds more polite).

       -DO you would like to ascertain me now? (Less polite).