Exercise 2: past simple

(Practise using the past simple of irregular verbs)

Past simple of irregular verbs – cloze test (difficulty: 3 of 5 – medium)

Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the irregular verbs given in brackets. Always conjugate the verb in the simple past tense.

  • Example: “Our guests _______ some nice presents.” (bring) → “Our guests brought some nice presents.”

You can check your results with the button below after you have finished. If you still need help with the topic, reread the usage and formation of the past simple. You may also use the hint button, but note that you will lose points for that.

  1. He must have been thirsty. He almost all of the water I . (drink, bring)
  2. When I her for the first time, I that she was an honest person. (see, know)
  3. He all the way down to see his family but as soon as he arrived, he noticed that they had gone on holiday. (drive)
  4. What did you do this morning? – Well, we down the street and some time in the park. (go, spend)
  5. She a letter which me very happy. (write, make)
  6. Don’t you have a lot of work to do? – No, the manager me some helpful information so I finish the project yesterday. (give, be able to)
  7. Where are you from? – I in London but I’ve moved to Paris recently. (grow up)
  8. When the dog the ducks, it jumped into the river to follow them. (hear)
  9. Have you seen Sue today? She her hair yesterday and now it looks very unusual. (cut)
  10. When I was younger I never attention in class so I study a lot at home. (pay, have to)

Exercises and explanations relating to the ‘Past simple of irregular verbs’

The following exercises and explanations are related to the English grammar topic ‘Past simple of irregular verbs’ and train your skill too: