Introduction & Warm-up
Today's Objectives
Negative Statements
Learn to use didn't + base verb correctly
Past Questions
Master Did + subject + base verb formation
Positive to Negative & Question
Click to hear transformations:
Structure & Rules
Why Learn Negatives and Questions?
You need negatives to say what didn't happen, and questions to get information about the past. Essential for real conversations!
Negative Formation
To make negative statements in past simple, use DIDN'T + base verb (same for all subjects).
| Subject | Negative Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| All subjects | didn't + base verb | I didn't go to work |
⚠️ Important Rule!
After didn't, always use the BASE FORM of the verb (infinitive without 'to')!
✅ She didn't go (not "went")
✅ He didn't see (not "saw")
Question Formation
To ask questions in past simple, use DID + subject + base verb.
| Question Type | Structure | Example | Short Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes/No Questions | Did + subject + base verb | Did you see the movie? | Yes, I did. / No, I didn't. |
| Wh- Questions | Wh- + did + subject + base verb | Where did she go? | She went to Paris. |
Common Question Words
Exception: Questions with BE
Special Case: Verb BE
With verb BE, don't use 'did'. Use was/were directly!
✅ Were you at home? (not "Did you be")
✅ Was she happy? (not "Did she be")
Role-Play Scenarios
Travel Mishaps - Airport Delay Conversation
Scenario: Flight Delay Discussion
You're at the airport with delayed flights, talking to another passenger about travel problems and what didn't go as planned.
Sentence Starters for Travel Problems
What Didn't Happen
Asking About Problems
No Preparation
Childhood Memory Interview
Scenario: Getting to Know Childhood Experiences
You're interviewing someone about their childhood, asking questions about their past and learning what they did and didn't do when they were young.
Sentence Starters for Childhood Questions
Childhood Questions
Past Limitations
Positive Memories
Practice Tip: Click on any dialogue line to hear the pronunciation. Practice asking questions about past events and giving both positive and negative answers. Remember to use the base form after 'didn't' and 'did'!
Practice
Real Conversation Practice
Ask and answer questions about past events with correct negative forms!
How was your weekend?
Ask and answer questions about weekend activities
Weekend Scenarios
1. Plans Changed: Your planned activity didn't happen
"I didn't go hiking because it rained"
"Did you do something else instead?"
2. Unexpected Free Time: You had extra time
"I didn't have any work to do"
"What did you do with your free time?"
3. Missed Event: You couldn't attend something
"I didn't see the new movie after all"
"Why didn't you go to the cinema?"
4. Home Time: You stayed in
"I didn't leave my apartment all day"
"Did you at least call someone?"
Grammar Focus
Weekend Q&A Starters
What was your childhood like?
Ask and answer detailed questions about the past
Childhood Topics
1. School Days: Asking about education
"Did you like your elementary school?"
"I didn't enjoy math class at all"
2. Family Rules: Discussing restrictions
"What didn't your parents allow you to do?"
"They didn't let me stay up late"
3. Hobbies: Childhood activities
"Did you play any sports as a child?"
"I didn't join any teams but I rode my bike daily"
4. Technology: Comparing past and present
"What gadgets didn't exist when you were young?"
"We didn't have smartphones until I was a teenager"
Advanced Usage
Childhood Q&A Starters
Quiz
_____ you go to the party last night?
Ask about past attendance at an event.
Where _____ she live before moving here?
Ask about someone's previous location.
What time _____ the meeting start yesterday?
Ask about the timing of a past event.
_____ they enjoy the movie?
Ask about someone's past experience.
How long _____ you study English before coming here?
Ask about duration of past activity.
Mastery Achieved: You can now use the past simple for negative statements and questions. Next, you'll learn how to use the past continuous to describe ongoing actions in the past!