Grammar: Past Simple Questions
A2 Lesson 18: Asking About the Past with 'Did'
The Golden Rule of Past Questions
There is one very important rule for asking questions about the past with action verbs. When we use the helping verb 'Did', the main verb always returns to its simple base form.
Think of it like this: the word 'Did' already does the work of showing the past tense. The main verb doesn't need to do it again!
Did + Subject + Base Verb?
The Grammar Rule 📖
From Statement to Question
This rule is the same for ALL verbs, regular and irregular.
| Positive Statement (+) | Question (?) |
|---|---|
| You visited the temples. | Did you visit the temples? |
| She went to the market. | Did she go to the market? |
| They ate fish amok. | Did they eat fish amok? |
In Conversation (with Short Answers)
Let's see how this works in a real conversation. Notice how we use 'did' and 'didn't' in the short answers.
Dara: Hi Sophea! Did you have a good weekend?
Sophea: Yes, I did. It was great!
Dara: Nice! Did you go to the countryside?
Sophea: No, I didn't. I stayed in Phnom Penh. I visited the Royal Palace.
Dara: Wow! Did you take any photos?
Sophea: Yes, I did. I took a lot!
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Make the Question
Change the positive statements into Yes/No questions. Remember the Golden Rule!
- 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?
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Ask About Yesterday
Write three 'Did...?' questions to ask a friend about what they did yesterday. For example: "Did you watch a movie?" or "Did you eat something delicious?"
Key Vocabulary
- Helping Verb A small verb (like 'did', 'do', 'be') that helps the main verb.
- Base Form The simplest form of a verb, with no special endings (e.g., go, eat, see).