Past simple: questions and negatives

Use did for past-simple questions and did not for negatives, followed by the base verb.

When do we use it?

Ask and answer questions about completed past actions.

Form

Use did/didn’t + base verb.

• Did you work?
• I didn't go.
• Did she see him?
• They didn't play.

Key contrast

Look for the subject, noun type, sentence form and time expression before choosing.

Common mistakes

• Did you went? → Did you go?
• She didn't saw it. → She didn't see it.

Remember

Use did for past-simple questions and did not for negatives, followed by the base verb.

Quick check

• Read the complete sentence.
• Find the grammar clue.
• Choose the form that fits both meaning and structure.