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The past simple negative COMMON MISTAKES BASE FORMS IN THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE

When using the negative form of the past simple, “didn’t” plus the main
verb in the base form is used. The main verb is never in the past simple.
The past simple negative is used to talk about things that See also:
did not happen in the past. It is always formed the same Past simple 7 Present simple negative 2
way, unless the main verb is “be.” Types of verbs 49 “Play” should be in The main verb should only go into the
the base form. past simple if it’s a positive statement.

THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE
The past simple
negative uses “did
not” or “didn’t” THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE OF “BE”
with the base form “played” is the To make the negative,
of the main verb. past simple. “didn’t” is used with To form the past simple negative of “be,”
the base form.
The main verb is “not” is added after “was” or “were.”
not put into the
past simple.
LAST WEEK YESTERDAY TODAY

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “DID NOT / DIDN’T” BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE
HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT “WAS / WERE” “NOT” REST OF SENTENCE

“Didn’t” or “did not” are used The base form of the
to make the negative, no main verb is used in
matter what the subject is. the past simple negative.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Did not” is only used for
emphasis, or in formal situations.

“Was not” is often “Were not” is often
shortened to “wasn’t.” shortened to “weren’t.”

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