Exercises

Unit 2 · Past simple, past continuous, used to

2-A

Complete using the correct past simple form of the verbs in the box. You may have to use some negative forms.

come•give•go•have•know•make•send•take

I got to the post office just before it closed and the letter.

We invited Stephanie to the party, but she .

Jack lost his job because he too many mistakes.

Everyone that it was Bill's fault, but nobody said anything.

Karen the keys from the kitchen table and ran out the door.

I was bored, so Mum me some money to go shopping.

Do you remember the time we to India on holiday?

It started raining, but luckily I an umbrella in my bag.

2-B

Look at the pictures and complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the past simple.

1I don't want to go and see the film because I saw it last week. (Example)(Example)

I don't need a football because . (yesterday)

I know a lot about Paris because . (two years ago)

I don't need to worry about my homework because . (last night)

I haven't got a PlayStation any more because . (in June)

Mum is angry with me because . (a week ago)

2-C

Complete using the correct past continuous form of the verbs in brackets.

Ted (play) his guitar at half past seven.

At midnight, I (sleep), but Jane (listen) to music.

Luke (stand) outside the bank when suddenly two robbers ran past him.

I know Doug (work) late at the office because I saw him when I (leave).

you (have) a shower when the earthquake happened?

Penny (run) to catch the bus when she slipped and fell.

When you saw Eugene, he (go) home?

At midnight? Erm ... we (watch) a DVD, I think.

2-D

Circle the correct word or phrase.

When we were in Canada, we went / were going skiing almost every day.

About four years ago, I decided / was deciding to become a chef.

Georgia had / was having a shower when someone knocked at the door.

Holly and I ran from the house to the taxi because it rained / was raining heavily.

Two men argued / were arguing outside, so I went to see what was happening.

Daniel called / was calling you at one o'clock yesterday, but you were here with me.

We ate / were eating breakfast when a letter came through the letter box.

As I walked past the window, I saw that Paula made / was making a cake.

I dreamt / was dreaming about my favourite band when the alarm clock went off.

While I practised / was practising the trumpet late last night, a neighbour came to complain.

2-E

Complete the story using the correct past simple or past continuous form of the verbs in the box.

Amber's Big Match

One morning, Amber (1) _________ up early. The sun (2) _________ and the birds (3) _________. Amber (4) _________ very excited because it was the day of the big tennis match.
Amber (5) _________ downstairs and into the kitchen, where her father (6) _________ breakfast.
'Morning, Amber. Today's the day!' he (7) _________. Amber smiled nervously. 'Don't worry!' he (8) _________. 'You'll be fine.'
Amber (9) _________ some toast into the toaster and (10) _________ the fridge. Just as she (11) _________ the butter out, the phone (12) _________.
Her father (13) _________ it. After a few minutes, he put the phone down.
'Bad news, I'm afraid. The other player (14) _________ yesterday when she had an accident. The match is off.'
Amber ate her toast slowly. She was surprised she didn't feel disappointed.

answer•be•continue•get•go•have•open•practise•put•ring•say•shine•sing•wake

(1) Amber up early.

(2) The sun

(3) and the birds .

(4) Amber very excited.

(5) Amber downstairs.

(6) her father breakfast.

(7) 'Today's the day!' he .

(8) 'Don't worry!' he .

(9) Amber some toast into the toaster.

(10) and the fridge.

(11) Just as she the butter out,

(12) the phone .

(13) Her father it.

(14) The other player yesterday.

2-F

Complete using the correct form of used to. You may have to use some negative forms.

When I was younger, I eat pizza almost every day!

there be a supermarket on the corner?

Bradley is a teacher, but he want to be a train driver.

I like eating cabbage, but now I love it!

Rick have blond hair when he was a little boy?

I know Lily cook much, but now I think she makes dinner every day.

Theory