‘Do verb’ is one of the primary auxiliary verbs. We can definitely use it in the past tense. Now we will have the discussion of its use in the past tense.
The past form ‘did’ is used to make sentences in the past tense. We can use it to construct sentences in the simple past tense. ‘Did’ can be used to make an affirmative sentence, negative sentence, and interrogative sentence in the past tense.
Let us explain the use of the ‘do’ verb in the past tense with 7 facts.
Forms of do verb in past tense:
Here we will come to know the past form of ‘do’.Do verb has one form in the past tense. Let us get to know it.
‘ Do’ is an irregular verb. It has three forms. These three forms are do, does, and did. It is used for all the different forms of subjects. When we form any perfect tense we use the past participle form of the ‘do’ verb. It then becomes ‘done’. How do verbs are used in the past tense?
How do verbs are used in past tense?
There are certain rules for using verbs in sentences. Here we will explore how ‘do’ verbs are used in the past tense.
Generally ‘do’ verbs are used both as auxiliary and as main verbs. As a helping verb, the past form ‘did’ is used after any subject while framing an affirmative sentence. The present form of the main verb is used after it. Again when we frame questions it is used before the subject.
Now, look at the table how ‘did’ is used in sentences with the help of the main verb ‘watch’.
| Person | Negative sentence | Interrogative sentence |
| 1st | I did not watch it. | Did I watch it? |
| 2nd | You did not watch it. | Did you watch it |
| 3rd | He/She did not watch it. | Did they /she watch it? |
When do verbs are used in past tense?
Do verb can be used in all three tenses. Here we will explain in detail.
We can use the ‘do’ verb in the past tense. It is used as a helping verb and its meaning is not retained. But when we use it as a main verb it simply can express its meaning. As a helping verb, it is used to make affirmative sentences and assertive sentences to interrogative sentences.
Ex- He did not go to school yesterday for his illness.
Explanation- Here we see the use of the past form of the ‘do’ verb. It is used to frame a negative sentence.
Ex- Did you expect me to assist you?
Explanation-Here in the scenario the ‘do’ verb is used to make a question. We have not found its meaning.
Why do verbs are used in past tense?
Here we will have the reason why the ‘do’ verb is used in the past tense.
We have to maintain certain rules while making any sentence. We must use the ‘do’ verb as a helping verb to frame a sentence in negative form and interrogative form with the help of the ‘do’ verb.
In the past tense, we have to use ‘the ‘do’ verb. We use the ‘do’ verb in the past tense to frame negative sentences and interrogative sentences.
Ex- Where did you go during the last summer vacation?
Explanation- Here the past form of the ‘do’ verb ‘did’ is used to frame a question.
Formula and structure of do verbs used in past tense:
We have to maintain the rules and proper structure of the ‘do’ verbs used in the past tense. Let us discuss it.
Look at the table below where the structure of the ‘do’ verb is used in the past tense.
| Positive | Negative | Interrogative |
| Subject+ past form of the base verb + object | Subject + did not+ verb in the base form | Did+ subject+ base form of the verb |
Ex- Did she complete her breakfast in time?
Explanation- In the above sentence the ‘do’ verb is used in its past form i.e. ‘did’. This past form is used to frame a question.
Examples of do verbs used in past tense:
The following examples contain the past form of the ‘do’ verb. Let us see the table.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. They did not visit the place before. | Here the past form of the ‘do’ verb is used to frame a negative sentence, |
| 2. The maid did not clean the floor well. | In this sentence, we see that ‘did’ is used to make a negative sentence where it is used as a helping verb. |
| 3. Did you see the movie? | Here the past form of ‘do’ verb ‘did’ is used to make a question. |
| 4. The students did not play cricket in the playground. | Here we find that ‘did’ has been used to frame a negative sentence. |
| 5. Did your father beat you yesterday? | In the scenario we see that the past form ‘did’ is again used to frame a question. It acts as a helping verb that has no meaning here. |
| 6. The naughty boys did not make a noise in the class today. | Here it is seen that the past form ‘did’ is used to make a negative sentence. |
| 7. Did he leave home early today? | The example clearly shows that the past form ‘did’ is used to frame a question and it acts as a helping verb. |
| 8. She did not buy a pen yesterday. | In the example, it is found that ‘did’ is used to make a negative sentence. |
| 9. Did you wash the dishes? | Here the past of the ‘do’ verb ‘did’ is used to make a question. |
| 10. People did not like his words. | Here the past form ‘did’ is used to make a negative sentence and is used before the main verb. |
| 11. Did they live at Balickak? | In this example the past form ‘did’ is used to make a question and functions as a helping verb. |
Conclusion
This article deals with the discussion of the use of the past form of the ‘do’ verb. This will help us to use the ‘do’ verb in the past tense very well.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.