We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/tgo67u/simple
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Clear simple past tense foundation
According to students, this course offers a clear and concise foundation in the simple past tense, making it excellent for beginners and those looking to refresh their grammar. Learners particularly praise how the course clarifies irregular verbs and the well-structured breakdown of negative and question forms. While generally well-organized with helpful exercises and quizzes, some felt the pace was a bit quick in later sections, especially the 'More Useful Grammar Forms' week, and noted it might be too basic for intermediate learners.
Provides effective strategies for learning irregular verbs.
"The explanations were incredibly clear and concise, especially regarding irregular verbs."
"I came into this struggling with irregular verbs, but this course really helped me. The patterns they showed made memorizing much less painful."
"The regular and irregular verb sections were well-covered, which is crucial for this topic."
Ideal for those starting or refreshing English grammar.
"Excellent for beginners! I'm an ESL student, and this course made understanding the simple past tense much easier."
"This course was exactly what I needed to refresh my English grammar. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to solidify their past tense knowledge."
"Highly recommended for improving foundational grammar skills. I feel much more confident now."
Grammar concepts are presented clearly and concisely.
"The explanations were incredibly clear and concise, especially regarding irregular verbs. I found the exercises very helpful."
"This course made understanding the simple past tense much easier. The instructor's examples were clear."
"I loved how they broke down negatives and questions. The lessons on question forms were particularly useful."
Some modules, especially later ones, felt rushed.
"My only minor critique is that the 'More Useful Grammar Forms' felt a bit rushed compared to the previous weeks, but still informative."
"I found the pace a bit too quick, especially in the later weeks. As someone starting from scratch, I needed more time to absorb the information."
"The final week felt a little disconnected from the main topic of simple past, which made it feel rushed."
Content may be too basic for those with existing knowledge.
"It's okay. I felt some of the content was too basic for me, as I already had a grasp of the simple past."
"It might be better for absolute beginners. If you're not a true beginner, you might find it redundant."
"I was hoping for more advanced nuances or complex sentence structures than what was covered here."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete practice exercises on using the simple past
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a reference book that provides comprehensive coverage of English grammar, including the simple past tense.
View
A Practical English Grammar for Foreign Students
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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.
Review your high school English grammar notes on the simple past tense
Show steps
Recall your prior knowledge of the simple past tense by reviewing your high school grammar notes or textbooks.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Refresh your memory of basic grammar concepts to lay a solid foundation for learning the simple past tense.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the simple past tense by watching video tutorials that demonstrate the rules and provide examples.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete practice exercises on using the simple past
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding by completing practice exercises that require you to form and use the simple past tense correctly.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a reference book that provides comprehensive coverage of English grammar, including the simple past tense.
View
A Practical English Grammar for Foreign Students
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Consolidate your learning by organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and quizzes to reinforce your understanding of the simple past tense.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tgo67u/simple
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.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tgo67u/simple
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructors
Rachel Fernandez
Karen Vallejo
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Learn English: Beginning Grammar. It's comprised of three courses:
- Word Forms and Simple Present Tense
- Simple Past Tense (viewing)
- Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser