To ask questions in the past simple, use did at the start of the sentence with every subject, followed by the base form of the verb, as in did you go to the party. Wh- questions add a question word before did, as in what time did they arrive.
Grammar Rule
To ask questions in the past we use did at the start, with all subjects, followed by the base form of the verb.
Past Simple Questions: Structure
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yes/No question | Did + subject + base verb…? | Did you go to the party? Did it rain yesterday? |
| Wh- question | Wh- word + did + subject + base verb…? | What time did they arrive? Where did he live before? Why did you leave early? |
Remember: never conjugate the verb after did; it always stays in the base form.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct past simple question. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Past Simple – Yes/No and Wh- Questions (Did…?)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form a Yes/No question in the past simple?
Start with did, then the subject, then the base form of the verb, as in did you go to the party.
How do you form a Wh- question in the past simple?
Start with the Wh- word, then did, the subject, and the base verb, as in what time did they arrive.
Do you conjugate the verb after did?
No. The verb always stays in the base form after did, never in the past.
Does did change depending on the subject?
No. Did is the same for every subject in past simple questions.