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
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
