CATALOG

I. PROLOGUE................................................................................................................1
II. GRAMMAR...............................................................................................................2
1. Past simple tenses.............................................................................................2
1.1. Definition.................................................................................................................2
1.2. Usage.......................................................................................................................3
1.3. Forming the simple past tenses................................................................................4
1.4. Example sentence....................................................................................................5
2. A/an/some/any.............................................................................................6
1.1. Definition.................................................................................................................6
2.2. Usage.......................................................................................................................6
2.3. Special cases............................................................................................................8
2.4. Example sentence....................................................................................................9
III. VOCABULARY.....................................................................................................10
1. Food...........................................................................................10
2. Furniture...........................................................................................12
IV. EPILOGUE.............................................................................................................13
V. REFERENCES........................................................................................................14
 I. PROLOGUE

The past simple tense is a very common tense among the 12 tenses in
English grammar. The simple past tense is used frequently and is often found in
books and exams. In addition, we also apply the simple past tense very flexibly
in daily life. Another essential grammar topic is the usage of a/an/some/any.
Accordingly, in the personal essay below, I will introduce the simple past tense
to everyone and the grammar topic a/an/some/any. Furthermore, the essay will
also supplement some vocabulary related to two topics: Food and Furniture.

1
 II. GRAMMAR

1. Past simple tenses

1.1. Definition

The simple past tense is one of the most common tenses in English. Its shape is
the same for all subjects. Usually formed by adding - ED after the verb. This page
explains the rules for forming regular verb tenses. That tense describes events that
happened in the past.

Example: I printed the picture yesterday.

* Explaination

The simple past tenses:

- Describe actions performed in the past.

- Use temporal expressions to indicate when an action occurred in the past -

"yesterday", "last month", "last year", and "2022" are examples of temporal
expressions.

- For regular verbs, add "ed" after the verb.

- There are irregular verb forms.

- Use "did" + "not" particles to form negative simple past tense clauses.

- Use the same structure as the present tense of the question.

1.2. Usage

- The action that happened in the past, has ended.

- The action happened for some time in the past and ended in the present.

- Type 2 conditional sentence.

When saying something happened, you always use the past simple tense, so it
is associated with certain past tense expressions:

- Frequency: often, sometimes, always

Ex: Sometimes I walk home at noon.

2
 I often bring lunch to school.

- Specific points in time: last week, yesterday, six weeks ago, when I was a
child,...

Ex: We saw a good movie last week.

I arrived in Geneva yesterday.

She finished work at six o'clock.

- Uncertain point in time: recently, long ago, long ago…

Ex: A long time ago, people lived in caves.

She played the piano as a child.

Note: The word "ago" is a valuable way of expressing distance from the past. It
is placed after a certain period of time: a week ago, three years ago, a minute ago.

1.3. Forming the simple past tenses

* Patterns of simple past tense for regular verbs

Subject + verb + ed

Affirmative
I skipped.

Subject + did not + infinitive without to

Negative
We didn’t go because it rained

Did + subject + infinitive without to

Interrogative
Did he arrive?

3
 Did not + subject + infinitive without to

Interrogative negative
Didn’t she go?

* Simple past tense of to be, to have, to do

Subject Verb

Be Have Do

I Was

You/We/They Were Had Did

He/She/It Was

* Note: For most verbs, the past tense is formed simply by adding -ED.
However, some verbs require you to add -D or change the ending slightly. The rules
are as follows:

Verb ending is The simple past Examples

E add –d Live - Lived

Consonant + y Change y to I, then add –ed Cry - Cried

Anything else add – ed Show - Showed

including w

4
 One vowel + one Double the consonant, then add –ed Commit - Committed
consonat (but not
w or y)

1.4. Example sentence

Anh Thu saved a word file yesterday. (The action is complete)

(past tense verb) (time expression)

(Negative) Anh Thu did not save a word file yesterday.

(Yes/No Question) Did Anh Thu save a word file yesterday?

(Information Question) What did Anh Thu save yesterday?

2. A/an/some/any

1.1. Definition
*A/An:

A and An are indefinite articles used to refer to a singular, countable noun

when the speaker is talking about something general or mentioned for the first time.

- A: Used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

- An: Used before words that begin with a vowel sound ( a, e, i, o, u ) or a

silent h.

Ex: “I saw a bird in the garden.” (Any bird, not specific).

“She is eating an apple.” (The word “apple” begins with a vowel sound).

*Some:

Some is a determiner used with plural countable nouns or uncountable nouns to

indicate an unspecified quantity or number in affirmative sentences, polite offers, or
requests.

Ex: “I need some water.” (An unspecified amount).

“Would you like some tea?” (Polite offer).

*Any:

5
 Any is a determiner used with plural countable nouns or uncountable nouns in
negative sentences and questions to refer to an unspecified quantity. It can also
emphasize “no matter which” in affirmative sentences.

Ex: “I don’t have any money.” (Negative sentence).

“Do you have any books to lend?” (Question).

“Take any seat you like.” (Emphasizing “no matter which”).

2.2. Usage

*A

Before singular, countable nouns that begin with a consonant:

Ex: a cat, a book.

Before certain words that start with a vowel but are pronounced like a
consonant:

Ex: a university, a European.

Before nouns that indicate professions:

Ex: a teacher, a doctor.

In phrases that indicate quantities:

Ex: a few, a little.

Before singular nouns when referring to a specific object or thing:

Ex: a girl, a car.

*An

Before nouns that begin with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u):

Ex: an apple, an orange.

Before words that begin with a silent “h”:

Ex: an hour, an honest man.

Before words that begin with “u” or “eu” but are pronounced like a vowel:

6
 Ex: an umbrella.

*Some

Affirmative sentences: “Some” is commonly used in affirmative sentences to

indicate an unspecified quantity.

Ex: I bought some apples at the grocery store.

Invitations or offers: “Some” is used in questions when offering or inviting

someone, especially when expecting a positive response.

Ex: Would you like some coffee?

Ex: Can I have some lemonade, please?

Polite requests: “Some” is used to make polite requests.

Ex: Could you please pass me some water?

To express an indefinite quantity: “Some” can refer to an unclear amount, not

too much and not too little.

Ex: She has some experience in marketing.

Accompanied by quantity: “Some” can be used with countable nouns to refer

to an approximate number.

Ex: Some people believe that aliens exist.

*Any

Negative sentences: “Any” is commonly used in negative sentences to indicate

that there is no object or quantity at all.

Ex: I don’t have any money.

Questions: “Any” is used in questions to ask about the existence or an

unspecified amount of something.

Ex: Do you have any questions?

Conditional sentences: “Any” appears in conditional sentences to suggest that

any object or any amount is acceptable.

Ex: If you need any help, just let me know.

7
 Usage in affirmative sentences: “Any” can also be used in affirmative
sentences to emphasize freedom of choice or an unlimited quantity.

Ex: You can take any book you like.

2.3. Special cases

Articles in English are not only governed by basic rules but also include special
cases that require attention. Below are some notable special cases for using “a,” “an,”
“some,” and “any.”

*Using “A” or “An” with Abstract Nouns

Articles “a” or “an” are generally not used with abstract nouns. However, in
some cases, they can be used to indicate a specific instance or example of that abstract
noun.

Ex: A hope, An idea

*Using “Some” in Negative Sentences to Offer or Request

In negative sentences or questions, “some” can be used to make an offer or a

polite request.

Ex: Would you like some coffee?

Could I have some water?

*Using “Any” in Affirmative Sentences

Typically, “any” is used in negative sentences or questions. However, it can

also appear in affirmative sentences to emphasize inclusivity or lack of restriction.

Ex: You can take any book you like.

If you need any help, let me know.

*Using “An” Before Words Beginning with a Silent “H”

When a word starts with the letter “h” but the “h” is not pronounced, “an” is
used instead of “a.”

Ex: An hour, An honest person

*Using “Some” and “Any” in Special Expressions

8
 “Some” and “any” can also be used in special structures to emphasize or
indicate choice.

Ex: Some day, Any time

2.4. Example sentence

*A

A dog is barking outside.

She is a student at the university.

They need a new car.

*An

She ate an apple for breakfast.

We waited for an hour.

He needs an umbrella because it’s raining.

*Some

- In affirmative sentences: There are some books on the shelf.

- In invitation questions: Do you want some snack ?

- In request sentences: Do you need some paper to write on ?

*Any

- Negative sentence: There isn't any milk left in the fridge.

- Question: Is there any sugar in the cupboard ?

- Conditional sentence: If you see any mistakes, please let me know.

- Affirmative sentence: You can ask any questions you have.

9
 III. VOCABULARY

1. Food

Vocabulary Illustration image Pronounce Meaning/Example

Hamburger /ˈhæmˌbɜːrɡər/ Meaning: A sandwich

made of a beef patty in
a bun.

Example: I ordered a
hamburger for lunch…

Pizza /ˈpiːtsə/ Meaning: A flatbread

topped with cheese,
tomato sauce, and other
ingredients.

Example: We had a
pepperoni pizza for
dinner.,In progress…

Salad /ˈsæləd/ Meaning: A dish made

of mixed raw
vegetables.

Example: I love Caesar

salad with chicken.,In
progress…

10
 Sandwich /ˈsænwɪtʃ/ Meaning: Two slices of
bread with a filling, like
meat or vegetables, in
between.

Example: She packed a

ham sandwich for
lunch.,In progress…

Ice cream /ˈaɪs ˌkriːm/ Meaning: A sweet

frozen dessert made
from milk or cream.

Example: My favorite
dessert is chocolate ice
cream.,In progress…

2. Furniture

Vocabulary Illustration image Pronounce Meaning/Example

Sofa /ˈsoʊfə/ Meaning: A comfortable

seat for multiple people,
usually with cushions.

Example: She bought a

new sofa for the living
room.

11
Table /ˈteɪbəl/ Meaning: A flat surface
supported by legs, used for
eating, writing, etc.

Example: The table in the

dining room is made of
wood.

Chair /ʧɛr/ Meaning: A piece of

furniture for sitting, usually
with a back and legs.

Example: He sat in the

chair by the window to
read.

Bed /bɛd/ Meaning: A piece of

furniture for sleeping on,
typically with a mattress.

Example: The bed in the

guest room is very
comfortable.

Bookshelf /ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/ Meaning: A piece of

furniture for storing books
or decorative items.

Example: She organized

her books on the new
bookshelf.

12
 IV. EPILOGUE

Below is a comprehensive overview of the simple past tense. At the same time,
this essay also provides 10 common vocabulary words on the topic of “food and
furniture.” Hopefully, through this essay, readers will be able to memorize the formula
and signs for recognizing the simple past tense, as well as learn some new vocabulary.
From there, they can practice effectively to apply these tenses and vocabulary in
studying, communicating, and exchanging information efficiently.

13
V. REFERENCES

14