Past Simple Exercises
Here is a list of common past simple exercises in the test format with answers. The explanations tab lists various simple past examples, irregular verbs and sentences as well as some common forms and structures for this tense. Also, in the worksheet tab, you can download all exercises as PDF or Word files for free.
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
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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
