Past Simple: Questions

In the past simple, we use a helper word called an auxiliary. That word is did. Think of did as a big signpost. It tells the listener, 'Hey, we are talking about the past now!' Because did already shows the past time, the main verb stays relaxed. It does not change its form at all. It stays in the base form (the infinitive). It is like did is doing all the heavy lifting. The main verb just comes along for the ride. This applies to almost every verb in the English language. Yes, even the tricky irregular ones like go or eat behave here. They stay as go and eat when did is around. It is a very polite system once you get used to it.

1. 1Creating a question is like building a simple sandwich. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with the magic word did for 'Yes/No' questions.
3. 3Put the subject next (like you, he, we, or Sarah).
4. 4Add the base form of the verb (no -ed, no changes).
5. 5Finish with the rest of your information and a question mark.
6. 6If you want more detail, put a 'Wh-' word at the very beginning. Words like Where, When, or Why go before did.
7. 7Pattern: Did + [Subject] + [Base Verb] + ...?
8. 8Example: Did + you + call + me?
9. 9Example with Wh-: Where + did + you + go?

Use this pattern when an action is completely finished. It happened at a specific time in the past. Use it when ordering food: Did you enjoy your meal? Use it in job interviews: Where did you study? Use it when catching up with friends: Did you see the game? It is perfect for travel: Did the train arrive on time? Basically, if the clock has stopped on that action, use did. It works for things that happened five minutes ago or five years ago. Just make sure the event is over and done with. No one likes a guest who stays too long, and neither does the past simple.

There is one big rebel in the English language: the verb to be. The words was and were do not like the word did. They are strong enough to make questions on their own. Never say Did you be tired? That sounds like a grammar car crash. Instead, just swap the order: Were you tired? Also, do not use did with modal verbs like could or should. If you are talking about a habit that is still happening, stop! This is only for finished business. If the action is still going on, you need a different tense. Think of did as a 'Closed' sign on a shop door.

The most common mistake is the 'Double Past' trap. This happens when you change the main verb to the past form. For example, saying Did you went? instead of Did you go? Remember, did already took the past tense points. The main verb must stay in its original, base form. It is like wearing two hats at once; it just looks silly. Another mistake is using did with was. People often say Did you was there? This is a big no-no. Use Were you there? instead. Even native speakers trip on this when they are tired. Just take a breath and remember: one past marker per sentence is enough.

Compare this to the Present Simple. In the present, we use do or does. Do you like pizza? (now). In the past, we only use did. Did you like the pizza? (yesterday). The past is actually easier because did works for everyone. You don't have to worry about he, she, or it changes. Did he go? and Did they go? use the exact same helper. In the Present Perfect, we use have you gone? but that is for general life experience. If you mention a specific time like 'last night', stick with did. It is the cleanest way to talk about history.