Past Simple or Past Participle?

It is really important when learning the past tenses, that you learn both the past simple form of the verb and the past participle. You also need to learn when you use them.

We use the past participle:

1 - When using the perfect tenses

Present Perfect:
Have + past participle
E.g. I have studied dance for five years.

Past Perfect
Had + past participle
E.g. I had already eaten the chicken when he asked for some.

2 - In the passive voice

Present Passive:
Is/am/are + past participle
E.g. Dance performances are attended by many different types of people.

Past Passive:
Was/were + past participle
E.g. The mouse was chased by the cat.

In regular verbs the past participle is formed by adding ‘ed’.

In the following sentences, which form of the verb is needed, the past simple or the past participle? Only use one word.

Lesson by Caroline

• 1. I haven't ___(write) a letter to my Grandad yet.
• 2. I ___(write) a lot of letters last year, but I don't any more.
• 3. I ___(beat) five people to come first in the race yesterday!
• 4. The English were ___(beat) in nearly every football game last year.
• 5. Have you ___(eat) your vegetables?
• 6. I ___(eat) so much at dinner I think I might burst.
• 7. I ___(drink) lots of water today, I'm trying to get healthy.
• 8. Haven't you ___(drink) your coffee yet?
• 9. Have you ever ___(break) a bone in your body?
• 10. I ___(break) my leg last year.
• 11. I ___(see) Beth yesterday, she seems really well.
• 12. Hundreds of badgers are ___(see) in the wild each year.
• 13. Have you ___(take) your medicine this morning?
• 14. I ___(take) three trains to get here!