Learning objectives
- Recognise the form and meaning of past simple of be.
- Use past simple of be in controlled A1 sentences.
- Identify and correct common beginner errors.
- Apply the concept in a short personal or everyday context.
Past simple of be
Use was and were in past statements, negatives and questions.
Grammar rules
- Use was with I, he, she and it.
- Use were with you, we and they.
- Use was not and were not for negatives.
Examples
- I was tired.
- They were at home.
- She wasn't late.
- Were you busy yesterday?
Common mistakes
- Using a form that does not agree with the subject or noun.
- Using the correct words in the wrong order.
- Adding or omitting a required auxiliary, article or preposition.
- Choosing a form that changes the intended meaning.
Revision notes
Review the rule, say the examples aloud, write two new examples and retake the concept test until you achieve at least 80%.
Validated question bank pending