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
We _____ through the forest when we _____ a bear!
a.
were walking / saw
b.
walked / saw
c.
were walking / were seeing
2
It _____ heavily when we _____ at the station.
a.
rained / arrived
b.
was raining / arrived
c.
was raining / was arriving
3
Why _____ at me like that during the meeting?
a.
was you looking
b.
did you look
c.
were you looking
4
He _____ his coffee when he suddenly _____ sick.
a.
was drinking / felt
b.
was drinking / was feeling
c.
drank / was feeling
5
I _____ to music when my mom _____ the radio off.
a.
listened / turned
b.
was listening / turned
c.
was listening / was turning
6
The teacher _____ a question while the students _____ notes.
a.
was asking / were taking
b.
asked / took
c.
was asking / took
7
While he _____ home, he _____ his old friend.
a.
walked / was meeting
b.
was walking / met
c.
was walking / was meeting
8
What _____ while I _____ dinner last night?
a.
were you doing / made
b.
did you do / was making
c.
were you doing / was making
9
He _____ his speech when the microphone _____.
a.
gave / was stopping working
b.
was giving / stopped working
c.
was giving / was stopping working
