SIMPLE PAST TENSE EXERCISE 4: WH-QUESTIONS (ESL)
level: Beginner (A1/A2)
✓ Useful for IELTS
✓ Useful for TOEFL
Simple past wh-questions follow one fixed pattern no matter the verb: wh-word, then did, then the subject, then the base verb. The good news is did never changes with the subject either.
Grammar review
The simple past: wh-questions
Wh-questions ask for specific information using words like what, where, when, why, who, and how.
Word order:
Wh-word + did + subject + base verb + …?
“Why did she call you?”
“Who did they invite?”
The one thing that's actually easier here than in the present:
Did is the same for every subject: I, you, he, she, it, we, they. No do/does split to remember.
The most common mistake:
Once did is doing the "past" job, the main verb goes back to its plain base form. No past tense ending, no irregular form.
✗ “Why did he broke it?” (wrong: double marking the past)
✓ “Why did he break it?” (correct)
For the other simple past patterns, see affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and yes/no questions.
Wh-questions ask for specific information using words like what, where, when, why, who, and how.
Word order:
Wh-word + did + subject + base verb + …?
“Why did she call you?”
“Who did they invite?”
The one thing that's actually easier here than in the present:
Did is the same for every subject: I, you, he, she, it, we, they. No do/does split to remember.
The most common mistake:
Once did is doing the "past" job, the main verb goes back to its plain base form. No past tense ending, no irregular form.
✗ “Why did he broke it?” (wrong: double marking the past)
✓ “Why did he break it?” (correct)
For the other simple past patterns, see affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and yes/no questions.
Complete each question with the correct did + subject + base verb combination.
Example: What time did you (you/wake up) usually wake up?
KEEP PRACTICING: MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU
More simple past exercises:
Simple Past 1: Affirmative (A1/A2)
Simple Past 2: Negative (A1/A2)
Simple Past 3: Irregular Verbs (A2/B1)
Simple Past 5: Yes/No Questions (A1/A2)
Related past continuous exercises:
Past Continuous Exercise 1 (B)
Past Continuous Exercise 2 (B)
Simple Past or Past Continuous? Exercise 2 (I)
Do, Does, or Did? 1 (A1/A2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
More simple past exercises:
Simple Past 1: Affirmative (A1/A2)
Simple Past 2: Negative (A1/A2)
Simple Past 3: Irregular Verbs (A2/B1)
Simple Past 5: Yes/No Questions (A1/A2)
Related past continuous exercises:
Past Continuous Exercise 1 (B)
Past Continuous Exercise 2 (B)
Simple Past or Past Continuous? Exercise 2 (I)
Do, Does, or Did? 1 (A1/A2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
