Grammar Focus

Past tense verbs usually end with an -ed ending but only for affirmative sentences. For questions and negative statements, we use did to express the past. See below.

(Q) Where did you work?

(A) I worked in an office.

(N) I did not work in the city.

There are three ways to pronounce the -ed ending.

-ed = /t/ Verbs ending with non voiced sound such as the following: -sh, -ch, -p, -k, -s, -t.

1. I washed the dishes
2. I walked to work.
3. I worked at my desk.
4. I talked to my friend

-ed = /d/ Verbs ending with voiced sound such as the following: -n, -y, -v, -m.

1. I cleaned the room.
2. I enjoyed the movie.
3. I mowed the lawn.

-ed = /id/ Verbs ending with -d or -t.

1. I wanted to go.
2. I decided to stay.
3. I needed to sleep.

Negative

1. I did not work.
2. I didn’t sleep much.

(did not = didn’t)