Past Tense - Irregular

Point 1: We use irregular verbs for about 100 verbs in English in the affirmative. The verb changes form from the base verb.

1. I saw a ghost. (see)
2. I ate a light breakfast. (eat)
3. I left the car in the garage. (leave)
4. I bought a new car. (bought)

Point 2: In the negative form, the verb does not change form. Use did not ( or didn't) + the base verb.

1. I saw a ghost, but I did not see it for very long!
2. I ate a light breakfast. I did not eat eggs or toast.
3. I left the car in the garage. I did not leave it locked though.
4. I bought a new car. I did not buy it for myself though.

Point 3: If a question is about the object in the past., the verb does not change form.

1. Who did you see? I saw George.
2. Where did you go? I went home.
3. Why did he do that? He did it for money.
4. How did you sleep last night? I slept well.

Point 4: If a question is about the subject in the past, the verb changes to the irregular form.

1. Who came to the party? Bill came to the part.
2. Who did this? Susan did this.
3. What broke? The vase broke.
4. Who bought this? Jill bought it.