The past

MAIN USE
past action (dated and definite)

SYNTAX
Affirmative
-> Regular verbs: verb + -ED
e.g. Yesterday, I played football.

-> Irregular verbs: there is no easy rule; you must learn them by heart
e.g. In 1998, I went to Australia.

Interrogative & negative: use DID
e.g. -> Did you go to Australia?
-> Yes, I did. No, I didn't (go to Australia).

MAIN USE
action in the past, which was being done, when another short action interrupted it

SYNTAX
Affirmative
auxiliary BE in the past (WAS/WERE) + verb + -ING
e.g. I was taking a shower when the phone rang.

Interrogative & negative: inversion
e.g. Were you listening to the radio when he arrived?
-> Yes, I was. / No, I wasn't (listening to the radio).

PRESENT PERFECT

PLUPERFECT

MAIN USES
a) Actions which began in the past and are still in progress.
b) Past actions with results/consequences in the present.

SYNTAX
Affirmative
auxiliary HAVE (HAS with he/she/it) + past participle
e.g. a) I have lived in Paris since 1992.
b) Sarah has eaten all the cakes. (There is no cake left).

Interrogative & negative: inversion
e.g. Have you broken by vase?
-> Yes, I have. / No, I haven't (broken the vase).

MAIN USE
Action which was done before another action (in the past).

SYNTAX
Affirmative
auxiliary HAD + past participle
e.g. Peter went to Sydney in 2002. I had been there two years before.

Interrogative & negative: inversion
e.g. Had you bought a car?
-> Yes, I had. / No, I hadn't (bought a car).