The Simple past tense is used for past actions that have happened only one time unless specified more than once. In the Simple past, we also use irregular verbs of the past. When combined with other phrases like used to or would it can be used to describe past routines or states of being.
A past event that happened once unless specified.
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A past event with Used to or Would.
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Subject + Base Verb with ED/Irregulars + Complement.
Note: Do not use the Auxilary Did in Affirmative sentences.
Examples:
I played yesterday.
I ate cereal this morning.
I had a great time.
Subject + Auxiliary did + Not + Base Verb + Complement.
You can use the contraction of Didn't to make the sentences slightly shorter.
Examples:
I did not eat anything this morning.
It did not work this time.
They didn't like the food.
Auxiliary Did + Subject + Base Verb + Complement?
Examples:
Did you go to bed on time? No, I did not.
Did she have breakfast? Yes, she did.
Did they drive to the store? Yes, they did.
Wh question word + Auxiliary Did + Subject + Base Verb + Complement?
Examples?
What did you do yesterday?
When did they come home?
Where did we eat last week?
Who did I just speak to?
Why did he do that?
How did she work with a headache?
Used to and would are unique when it comes to the past tense. They help to describe past routines and states of being. Although only Used to can be used in this way.
For example, you can say: I used to be a young man. But you cannot say: I would be a young man.
Also, would is generally the more formal of the two forms. To use these forms, make sure to use this structure.
Structure:
Subject + Used to/ Would + Base verb + Complement.
Example:
I used to like romantic movies.
I would go to the store every day.
We used to be younger.