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
While she _____ her keys, it suddenly started to rain.
a.
was looking for
b.
looked for
c.
was looked for
2
I _____ about my future when you _____.
a.
thought / were calling
b.
was thinking / called
c.
was thinking / was calling
3
The students _____ an exam when the fire alarm _____.
a.
took / was ringing
b.
were taking / rang
c.
were taking / was ringing
4
She _____ when she suddenly _____ a strange noise.
a.
was reading / heard
b.
read / was hearing
c.
was reading / was hearing
5
What _____ when the teacher asked a question?
a.
did you think
b.
was you thinking
c.
were you thinking
6
While we _____, the lights suddenly _____.
a.
were talking / went off
b.
were talking / were going off
c.
talked / were going off
7
He _____ his homework when his mom _____ home.
a.
was doing / arrived
b.
did / was arriving
c.
was doing / was arriving
8
My dad _____ while I _____ the news on TV.
a.
was sleeping / was watching
b.
was sleeping / watched
c.
slept / was watching
9
When I _____ into the room, they _____ about me.
a.
walked / talked
b.
walked / were talking
c.
was walking / were talking
10
While my sister _____ on the phone, I _____ on my laptop.
a.
was talking / worked
b.
talked / worked
c.
was talking / was working
