Learn to ask and answer questions about the past using DID with action verbs.
Two Types of Past Questions
DID for action verbs · WAS/WERE for the verb "to be"
In the Simple Past, there are two different question structures depending on the verb you use. You need to choose the right one — you cannot mix them.
In this lesson, we focus on DID — the auxiliary used for ALL action verbs. Lesson 04 covers WAS / WERE for the verb "to be."
Use DID for action verbs — any verb that is NOT "to be."
Examples: go, eat, see, study, buy, travel…
Use WAS / WERE only for the verb "to be" in the past.
Used for states, descriptions, locations, emotions…
Never mix the two structures. ❌ Did you were tired? is wrong because "to be" never uses DID. And ❌ Was she go to school? is wrong because action verbs never use WAS. Each verb type has its own structure.
Questions with DID
Structure · Base verb rule · Examples with action verbs
| Action Verb | Past Simple Question |
|---|---|
| go | Did you go to school yesterday? |
| eat | Did she eat breakfast this morning? |
| see | Did they see the movie last night? |
| buy | Did he buy a new phone? |
| study | Did we study for the exam? |
| travel | Did you travel last summer? |
Negative & Short Answers with DID
Didn't + base verb · Yes, I did · No, I didn't
| Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|
| She went to the store. | She didn't go to the store. |
| They saw the movie. | They didn't see the movie. |
| He bought new shoes. | He didn't buy new shoes. |
| We studied last night. | We didn't study last night. |
| I ate breakfast. | I didn't eat breakfast. |
When someone asks a question with DID, answer with did (positive) or didn't (negative). Never use "was/were" in the answer.
Listen & Practice
6 DID questions with short answers — press each button to listen
Listen to each question and its short answer. Pay attention to the base verb after DID.
Common Mistakes
Errors to avoid when forming DID questions and negatives
Reading: "A Day at the Market"
Camila's story · DID questions in context · San Isidro de El General, Pérez Zeledón
Read the passage carefully. Highlighted words show how DID questions, negatives, and affirmative past verbs work in a real story. Press ▶ Play Reading to listen while you read.
Last Saturday, Camila went to the farmers market in San Isidro de El General. She took the early bus from San José with her sister Paula. They arrived at nine in the morning and walked straight to the market. The place was full of color — fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade crafts filled every corner.
Camila bought fresh vegetables and some handmade soap. Paula didn't buy anything because she forgot her wallet at home. After shopping, they found a small restaurant near the central park and had breakfast. Camila ordered gallo pinto with eggs. Paula didn't eat much — she didn't feel well that morning.
A friendly vendor near the exit asked them: "Did you enjoy the market today?" Camila smiled and said yes. "Did you find everything you needed?" She laughed and said she bought too much.
After breakfast, they walked around the central park and took some photos near the fountain. They didn't visit the regional museum because it was closed on Saturdays. They took the bus back to San José at three in the afternoon.
When they arrived home, Camila put the vegetables in the kitchen and told her mother about the trip. Paula went to bed early that night, but she said she wanted to go back to San Isidro soon.
10 questions about "A Day at the Market." Re-read the passage before answering — all the answers are in the text.
Practice Quiz — DID Questions
20 questions · Structure · Base verb · Short answers · Common mistakes
20 questions covering the full lesson: forming DID questions, using the base verb, negatives, and short answers.
