Use of Past Indefinite Tense
Simple Past Tense or Past Indefinite Tense is used to indicate all types of past-time actions that have no status of their progression and completeness in the present/past/future time. So, Past Indefinite Tense can be used for such actions that happened just a while ago, or for such actions that are practiced in the past on regular basis.
Past Indefinite Tense is used to Express the Completed Actions of the Past time
Past Indefinite Tense is used to indicate all types of actions that had just happened in the near past. For example:
- I received your letter yesterday.
- It rained heavily last evening.
- She kept her passions under control.
- At last, I resolved to give up smoking for good.
- She did not agree with my proposal.
Past Indefinite Tense is used to Express the Going on Action of the Past Period
Past Indefinite Tense can also be used for progressive actions of the past when the first action had some impact on the second action. For example:
- Nero played on his flute while Rome burned.
- The rioters plundered while the police stood by.
- Mother cooked food while the children wept.
- He made noise while his mother was ill.
- Harry went to the cinema while his guests were at his door.
Past Indefinite Tense is used to Express the Habitual Actions of the Past time
Habitual Actions of the Past period can be expressed in Past Indefinite Tense. It means that actions that would be practiced often in the past, can be expressed in Simple Past Tense or Past Indefinite Tense. For example:
- He offered prayers regularly.
- They always served the nation selflessly.
- He used to travel around the World when he was fit.
- They studied for many hours every day.
- He always carried an umbrella.
- He worked and had to make both hands meet.
- They did not pay any tax in past.
- We did not believe in superstition.
Past Indefinite Tense is used to Express the Supposition
Past Indefinite Tense can also be used to express the suppositions of the past period. For example:
- It’s high time you gave up bad ways.
- If I took pains I would learn the grammar.
- It would be proper if you tackled the problems yourself.
- If he slapped me, I would slap him twice.
- They took it with them if it was useful for them.
