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Practice Using the Past Simple Tense | Advanced Verb Tenses

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Instructions

Based on this lesson, use the verbs in parentheses to complete the blank or blanks in each item.

(If needed, open this list of irregular verbs in a new tab).

When you are finished, click “Answer.”

Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.

Let’s get started!

1. — Why are you so late?

— My car (break down) on my way here. I (have to) to call an Uber.

My car broke down on my way here. I had to call an Uber.

2. The study (reveal) no differences in the way males and females (solve) the math problems.

The study revealed no differences in the way males and females solved the math problems.

3. His heavy drug use as a young man (cause) serious health problems later in life, which ultimately (lead) to his untimely death.

His heavy drug use as a young man caused serious health problems later in life, which ultimately led to his untimely death.

4. New Orleans and surrounding areas (bear) the brunt of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Tragically, nearly 2,000 people (lose) their lives.

New Orleans and surrounding areas bore the brunt of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Tragically, nearly 2,000 people lost their lives.

5. Although I (grow up) in Virginia, I (fall) in love with Maui when I (be) there on vacation in 2015. I (leave) a good job in Virginia and (move) to Hawaii a year later.

Although I grew up in Virginia, I fell in love with Maui when I was there on vacation in 2015. I left a good job in Virginia and moved to Hawaii a year later.

6. I don’t feel well. I think I (overeat) last night and (not / get) enough sleep.

I don’t feel well. I think I overate last night and didn’t get (or did not get) enough sleep.

7. — Why are you mad at John?

— I (lend) him some money, and he (never / pay) me back even though he (know) that I (need) the money to pay my rent.

I lent him some money, and he never paid me back even though he knew that I needed the money to pay my rent.

8. When I (be) in college, I (ride) my bicycle to class every morning even when it (get) really cold in the winter.

When I was in college, I rode my bicycle to class every morning even when it got really cold in the winter.

9. During the earthquake, the ground (shake) so hard that people (be) knocked off their feet.

During the earthquake, the ground shook so hard that people were knocked off their feet.

10. — (you / go) to the Statue of Liberty when you (be) in New York?

— Not really. We (work) the whole time we (be) there.

— Did you go to the Statue of Liberty when you were in New York?

— Not really. We worked the whole time we were there.

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