The past tense is used to talk about actions that happened and finished in the past. This quiz focuses on the simple past and present perfect tenses of common verbs.
Tense
When to Use
Example
Common Patterns/Exceptions
Simple Past
For actions that happened at a specific time and are finished.
For actions that happened at an unspecified time or have relevance now.
I have just finished my homework.
Uses "have/has" + past participle. Irregular verbs have unique forms (see → seen).
Quiz 1: Basic Past Tense Rules
1. She _____ to the park yesterday.
2. They _____ a movie last night.
3. He _____ his homework already.
4. We _____ pizza for dinner last week.
5. I _____ a new book yesterday.
6. She _____ her friend two hours ago.
7. They _____ to the beach last summer.
8. He _____ breakfast this morning.
9. I _____ my keys yesterday.
10. We _____ a great time at the party.
Intermediate Past Tense Rules
The simple past is used for specific times in the past. The present perfect connects past actions to the present or shows experiences without a specific time.
Quiz 2: Intermediate Past Tense Applications
1. I _____ to Paris three times.
2. She _____ her phone last week.
3. They _____ the museum yesterday.
4. He _____ his homework yet.
5. We _____ a new car last month.
6. She _____ to her grandmother last weekend.
7. I _____ sushi before.
8. He _____ late for school yesterday.
9. They _____ in London two years ago.
10. I _____ my friend since last year.
Advanced Past Tense Rules
The present perfect is often used for experiences or actions with present relevance. The simple past is used when the time is specific and the action is complete.