09 Dec to be in the past
Learning a language can be pleasant if it is appropriately presented – meaning, in the right way and with good timing. Teaching English for many years, I’ve noticed that it’s helpful to divide materials into smaller parts so the content becomes easier to take in.
Introducing the Past Simple Tense is a perfect example of such a situation. When the young people learn new forms for the first time, we need to introduce them gradually. It’s not possible to mention everything during one week or master all the rules after finishing just one unit in a book. Such aspects need clear presentation and systematic revisions.
That’s why we begin with the conjugation of the verb “to be” in the Past Simple Tense, before we take further steps (mastering other regular and irregular verb forms).
| I was you were he was she was it was we were you were they were |
“To be” in the recordings:
The conjugation of “to be” in positive sentences:
The negative conjugation is analogous to the Present Simple Tense (here): through adding “not” to the verb. The conjugation of “to be” in negative sentences:
The conjugation of “to be” in questions:
To test yourself and to consolidate the material, we encourage you to use the worksheets below:
As for additional materials to practise and revise the conjugation of “to be” in the past, the Speaking Helper English Grammar Part IV Cards are available in our shop. Thanks to them, students put the conjugation of “to be” in practice and they start asking creative questions.
Don’t hesitate, loosen your tongues and speak freely in English.