Here is a list of common past simple exercises in test format with answers. The "Explanations" tab includes various examples to help you with the following past simple exercises.
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
Updated September 2025
Exercises
Progress
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Choose the correct option to complete the Past Simple Exercises below.
1
When I _____ my homework, my brother _____ TV.
a.
was doing / watched
b.
did / watched
c.
was doing / was watching
2
She _____ to music while she _____ dinner.
a.
listened / was cooking
b.
was listening / was cooking
c.
was listening / cooked
3
What _____ at 6 PM yesterday?
a.
have you done
b.
did you do
c.
were you doing
4
I _____ when the phone _____.
a.
was sleeping / rang
b.
was sleeping / was ringing
c.
slept / was ringing
5
They _____ soccer when it suddenly _____.
a.
were playing / was raining
b.
played / rained
c.
were playing / rained
6
We _____ in the park when we _____ an old friend.
a.
were walking / saw
b.
walked / saw
c.
were walking / were seeing
7
While they _____ for the bus, it _____.
a.
were waiting / arrived
b.
waited / was arriving
c.
were waiting / was arriving
8
He _____ a book when I _____ him.
a.
was reading / was calling
b.
was reading / called
c.
read / was calling
9
Why _____ when I saw you yesterday?
a.
are you running
b.
did you run
c.
were you running
10
I _____ the window because it _____.
a.
was closing / rained
b.
was closing / was raining
c.
closed / was raining
