Beginner Grammar
Start from the very beginning. Clear notes, then 40+ interactive exercises with instant feedback – based on the topics in Basic Grammar in Use. Perfect for absolute beginners (A1–A2).
Simple Past – Negative & Questions“I didn’t… / Did you…?” – 44 interactive questions
📖 Grammar Reference – Simple Past – Negative & Questions
Study the notes, then work through the six exercises.
1 Tier 1 – The Concept & Nuance: The DID Auxiliary Rule
In past simple negatives and questions, use the auxiliary did / didn’t. The main verb reverts to its base form (infinitive).
– “They didn’t go out last night.” (NOT
– “What time did you arrive?”
2 Tier 2 – Did vs Was / Were in Questions
| With action verbs ➔ DID | “Did you see the film?” (Action verb see). |
| With states / adjectives ➔ WAS/WERE | “Were you tired?” (Adjective tired). |
3 Tier 3 – Top 3 Common Learner Pitfalls
– Rule: The verb after didn’t must always be in the base infinitive form (go).
– Rule: In questions with Did, use the base verb (Did you see…?).
– Rule: Never use did with the verb be.
Made with care for English learners · allenglish4u.com
Original practice material inspired by the Basic Grammar in Use syllabus (Cambridge University Press). Example sentences and exercises are written by All English 4U.