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.
Updated September 2025
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
Exercises
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Choose the correct option to complete the Past Simple Exercises below.
1
She _____ when her phone _____.
a.
slept / was ringing
b.
was sleeping / was ringing
c.
was sleeping / rang
2
While I _____, my sister _____ a cake.
a.
studied / made
b.
was studying / made
c.
was studying / was making
3
He _____ to work when the accident _____.
a.
drove / was happening
b.
was driving / was happening
c.
was driving / happened
4
They _____ chess when I _____ them.
a.
played / was visiting
b.
were playing / was visiting
c.
were playing / visited
5
What _____ when the fire alarm rang?
a.
are you doing
b.
did you do
c.
were you doing
6
I _____ a shower when you _____ me.
a.
took / were calling
b.
was taking / was calling
c.
was taking / called
7
He _____ the guitar while his sister _____ the piano.
a.
played / was playing
b.
was playing / was playing
c.
was playing / played
8
Why _____ TV when I came home?
a.
did you watch
b.
was you watching
c.
were you watching
9
They _____ dinner when the lights _____.
a.
were having / were going out
b.
had / were going out
c.
were having / went out
10
I _____ on my project when the power _____.
a.
was working / was going off
b.
worked / went off
c.
was working / went off
