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Rachel Fernandez and Karen Vallejo

In this course, “Simple Past Tense,” you will learn how to form and use the simple past. You will see that there are a lot of irregular verbs in the simple past, but there are some patterns you can use to help you remember. You will learn about spelling changes when you add an “-ed” ending, as well as how to form negatives and questions in the past. You will also learn about object pronouns and some other forms of adjectives to describe and make comparisons.

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Syllabus

Simple Past with Regular & Irregular Verbs
This week is about the simple past. You will learn how to form BE in the simple past first. Then you will learn about how to add -ed to form the simple past of regular verbs and the spelling changes you need to make. Then you will see a long list of irregular verbs in the simple past. There are many irregular verbs that you just need to remember.
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Simple Past Negative & Object Pronouns
This week, you will learn about how to form the negative of the simple past. It is different for BE and for all other verbs. The good news is that in the negative form there are no irregular forms. You will also learn about object pronouns. You will learn the difference between the pronouns “she” and “her,” and “he” and “him.”
Simple Past Question Forms
This week is all about how to form questions in the simple past. You will learn how to ask questions with the BE verb and how to use “did” to ask questions with all other verbs. This will include yes/no questions and information questions.
More Useful Grammar Forms
In this last week, we will look at some other grammar points to help you express yourself in English. You will learn how to use “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” We will also look at how to change adjectives to make comparisons. Finally, you will learn about infinitives. Infinitives are an unchanged form of a verb with the word “to.” We use them with verbs like ”need,” “want,” and “like.”

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces simple past tense, which is standard in English
Taught by Rachel Fernandez and Karen Vallejo, who are experienced English instructors
Develops regular and irregular simple past tense, which are core skills for English language learners
Teaches object pronouns and other grammatical forms to enhance English language skills
Progresses from basic concepts to more advanced grammar, catering to learners with varying levels of English proficiency

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Reviews summary

Excellent simple past tense course

According to students, this course is excellent and well received by learners. Students say the course is engaging and easy to understand. This course is largely positive with praises for the lectures, explanations, and clear presentation of the material.
The lectures are helpful and informative.
"Useful introduction to English grammar"
"This course helped me to review English topics, especially Basic grammar. Thanks a lot!"
"I can easily understand"
The material is clear and well-presented.
"Me gusta bastante la información clara, concisa y precisa que brinda este curso"
"Excelent contenido. Con explicaciones puntuales que ayudan a comprender de forma rápida las reglas gramaticales"
"simple and easy to understand"
Engaging and easy to understand material.
"I really like this tutorial. Thank you."
"e​asy and simple to understand thank u"
"Very simple and easy to understand."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Simple Past Tense with these activities:
Review your high school English grammar notes on the simple past tense
Recall your prior knowledge of the simple past tense by reviewing your high school grammar notes or textbooks.
Show steps
  • Locate your high school English grammar notes or textbooks.
  • Review the sections on the simple past tense.
  • Take notes on any key points or rules that you might have forgotten.
Review the basics of grammar
Refresh your memory of basic grammar concepts to lay a solid foundation for learning the simple past tense.
Show steps
  • Review the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs).
  • Practice identifying and classifying different parts of speech in sentences.
Watch video tutorials on forming the simple past
Supplement your understanding of the simple past tense by watching video tutorials that demonstrate the rules and provide examples.
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on YouTube or other online platforms.
  • Take notes on the key rules and patterns explained in the tutorials.
Five other activities
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Complete practice exercises on using the simple past
Reinforce your understanding by completing practice exercises that require you to form and use the simple past tense correctly.
Show steps
  • Find online exercises or textbooks with practice sentences.
  • Fill in the blanks or rewrite sentences using the simple past tense.
  • Check your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice.
Attend a study group or discussion forum on the simple past tense
Engage with fellow learners by participating in study groups or discussion forums to clarify your understanding and resolve any questions about the simple past tense.
Show steps
  • Join a study group or online discussion forum focused on the simple past tense.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
  • Take notes on key points and clarifications.
Write a short story or dialogue using the simple past tense
Apply your knowledge of the simple past tense by creating your own written content, such as a story or dialogue, that demonstrates its use in context.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a story or dialogue that incorporates the simple past tense.
  • Write a draft of your story or dialogue, paying attention to the correct use of the simple past tense.
  • Edit and revise your work to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Read 'A Practical English Grammar' by A.J. Thomson and A.V. Martinet
Supplement your learning with a reference book that provides comprehensive coverage of English grammar, including the simple past tense.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on the simple past tense.
  • Take notes on the rules and exceptions.
  • Refer to the book for clarification or additional examples as needed.
Organize and review your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Consolidate your learning by organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and quizzes to reinforce your understanding of the simple past tense.
Show steps
  • Gather all your materials related to the simple past tense.
  • Sort and organize your materials into logical sections.
  • Review your materials regularly, focusing on areas where you need additional clarification.

Career center

Learners who complete Simple Past Tense will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
English Teacher
As an English Teacher, you will have the opportunity to help shape young minds and inspire a love of learning. This course, Simple Past Tense, can provide you with the foundation you need to effectively teach students about this important aspect of English grammar. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge will allow you to confidently teach students the rules and exceptions of the simple past tense, helping them to improve their writing and speaking skills. With a strong understanding of the simple past tense, you will be well-equipped to help your students succeed in their English studies.
Writer
A Writer uses their words to inform, educate, and entertain others. Whether you're writing articles, blog posts, stories, or scripts, you need to have a strong command of grammar and usage. This course will help you to master the simple past tense, which is essential for creating clear and concise writing. You will learn how to use regular and irregular verbs correctly in the past tense, and you will also learn how to form negative and question forms. With this knowledge, you will be able to write with confidence, knowing that your grammar is correct and your writing is clear and engaging.
Editor
As an Editor, you will be responsible for ensuring that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. This course, Simple Past Tense, will provide you with the tools you need to effectively edit written work and identify and correct errors in grammar and usage. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. With a strong understanding of the simple past tense, you will be able to confidently edit written work and help ensure that it is error-free.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and inform the public about important issues. To be successful in this field, you need to have a strong command of grammar and usage, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely. This course, Simple Past Tense, will help you to master the simple past tense, which is essential for writing news articles and other types of journalistic content. You will learn how to use regular and irregular verbs correctly in the past tense, and you will also learn how to form negative and question forms. With this knowledge, you will be able to write with confidence, knowing that your grammar is correct and your writing is clear and engaging.
Teacher
As a Teacher, you play a vital role in shaping young minds and helping students reach their full potential. This course, Simple Past Tense, can provide you with the foundation you need to effectively teach students about this important aspect of English grammar. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge will allow you to confidently teach students the rules and exceptions of the simple past tense, helping them to improve their writing and speaking skills. With a strong understanding of the simple past tense, you will be well-equipped to help your students succeed in their English studies.
Speechwriter
As a Speechwriter, you craft speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. Your speeches must be clear, concise, and engaging, and they must be grammatically correct. This course, Simple Past Tense, will help you to master the simple past tense, which is essential for writing speeches that are both informative and persuasive. You will learn how to use regular and irregular verbs correctly in the past tense, and you will also learn how to form negative and question forms. With this knowledge, you will be able to write speeches with confidence, knowing that your grammar is correct and your writing is clear and engaging.
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you need to have a strong command of grammar and usage in order to effectively communicate with clients, judges, and other legal professionals. This course, Simple Past Tense, will help you to master the simple past tense, which is essential for writing legal documents and pleadings. You will learn how to use regular and irregular verbs correctly in the past tense, and you will also learn how to form negative and question forms. With this knowledge, you will be able to write with confidence, knowing that your grammar is correct and your writing is clear and concise.
Librarian
As a Librarian, you help people find and access information. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a library setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when assisting patrons with their research or when creating library materials.
Customer Service Representative
As a Customer Service Representative, you interact with customers on a daily basis, answering questions and resolving complaints. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a customer service setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when communicating with customers and resolving their issues.
Salesperson
As a Salesperson, you need to be able to communicate effectively with customers in order to persuade them to buy your products or services. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a sales setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when presenting your products or services to customers.
Administrative Assistant
As an Administrative Assistant, you provide support to executives and other professionals. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in an administrative setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when communicating with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
Receptionist
As a Receptionist, you are the first point of contact for visitors and clients. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a reception setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when greeting visitors, answering phones, and providing information to clients.
Bartender
As a Bartender, you serve drinks to customers in a bar or restaurant setting. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a bartending setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when taking orders from customers and serving drinks.
Security Guard
As a Security Guard, you protect people and property from harm. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a security setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when writing reports and communicating with law enforcement.
Construction Worker
As a Construction Worker, you build and repair structures. This course, Simple Past Tense, may be useful for you if you are interested in working in a construction setting. The course covers topics such as regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, negative and question forms, and object pronouns. This knowledge may be helpful for you when communicating with colleagues and supervisors, and when reading and writing construction plans.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Simple Past Tense.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of the English language, providing a wealth of information about the history, structure, and usage of the simple past tense. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the English language.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It includes numerous exercises and practice activities to reinforce learning.
Comprehensive and authoritative grammar of the English language, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of English grammar.
Comprehensive and authoritative grammar of the English language, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of English grammar.
Classic and comprehensive grammar of the English language, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of English grammar.
Comprehensive guide to advanced English grammar, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to improve their grammar and usage skills at an advanced level.
Practical guide to English usage, offering clear and concise explanations of the simple past tense and its application in various contexts. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to improve their grammar and usage skills.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar for teachers, providing a thorough overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It includes numerous examples and exercises to help teachers understand and teach English grammar effectively.
Concise and accessible guide to English grammar, providing a clear overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to improve their grammar skills quickly and effectively.
Concise and practical guide to English grammar, providing a clear and accessible overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to improve their grammar skills quickly and effectively.
Comprehensive grammar reference guide that provides detailed explanations of the simple past tense and its usage. It includes a wide range of exercises and practice materials to help learners master the topic.
Concise and user-friendly guide to English grammar, providing a clear and accessible overview of the simple past tense and its usage. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to improve their grammar skills quickly and effectively.

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