Exercise 3: past simple

(Practise conjugating and using the past simple)

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

Fill the gaps with the correct form of the simple past tense of the regular and irregular verbs given in brackets.

  • Example: “Nadine ______ her new car last week.” (sell) → “Nadine sold her new car last week.”

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

  1. We the course three months ago. (start)
  2. I a new bike a few days ago. It is very convenient to use it because you don’t have to take the car all the time. (buy)
  3. The bank robber directly to the next building where two policemen him. (run, catch)
  4. I a very bad nightmare last night but, fortunately, I’ve forgotten what I . (have, dream)
  5. They all so much! I should have prepared more food for the buffet. (eat)
  6. I am sure, what I , the right thing. (do, be)
  7. When we for the first time, I you were an Italian. (meet, think)
  8. Don’t you remember? We to New York last year. (fly)
  9. As soon as she that her daughter had left, she the neighbours. (find out, call)
  10. I’m really sorry. When I the door open, the glass . (push, break)

Further exercises and explanations related to the ‘Past simple’

The following exercises and explanations refer to the topic ‘Past simple of English regular and irregular verbs’ and also train your skills: