✨ Lesson 5: Past Simple Questions (Did + subject + base form?)
This lesson is a special focus on one very important rule. We have learned that to ask a Yes/No question with an action verb in the past, we need the helping verb1 did.
Today, we will review and practice this rule to make sure you can ask questions about the past perfectly.
The Golden Rule for Past Simple Questions
The rule is the same for ALL action verbs, both regular and irregular. When we use the helping verb Did, the main verb MUST return to its base form2.
Did + [Subject] + [Base Verb]...?
Examples with Regular and Irregular Verbs
Look how the main verb changes from the positive statement to the question form.
| Verb Type | Affirmative (+) | Question (?) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | You visited the temples. | Did you visit the temples? |
| Regular | He liked the movie. | Did he like the movie? |
| Irregular | She went to the market. | Did she go to the market? |
| Irregular | They ate at a restaurant. | Did they eat at a restaurant? |
Short Answers with 'did'
Remember, we answer the question using the same helping verb.
- Did you see the sunrise? → Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.
- Did he buy any souvenirs? → Yes, he did. / No, he didn't.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Make the Question
Change the positive statements into Yes/No questions. Remember to use the base form of the verb!
- He took a lot of photos.
→ Did he take a lot of photos? - They enjoyed their trip to Siem Reap.
→ Did they enjoy their trip to Siem Reap? - You went to Pub Street last night.
→ Did you go to Pub Street last night? - She tried the fish amok.
→ Did she try the fish amok?
📝 Homework: Ask About Yesterday
Write three Yes/No questions to ask a friend about what they did yesterday.
Example: Did you watch a movie? Did you do your homework?
1: ___________________________________?
2: ___________________________________?
3: ___________________________________?