IELTS & PTE lesson · Grammar

IELTS & PTE Past Simple Grammar notesPast simple, past continuous, used to

Three forms, three jobs. This IELTS & PTE lesson is a deck of 9 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 9 cards
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  • Updated 30 September 2026

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What's inside

Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (ago, while, when and as a child), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

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The first 3 of 9 cards

Preview

  1. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Past simple

    Three slips in one story

    past forms are easy to break

    A story about the past needs the right verb form at every step. Spot the slips.

    Two years ago I have movedfinished time here. I didn't knewdid + base verb anyone, but my neighbours use toneeds a d: used invite me for tea.

    PTE Write Essay grammar scores 2 when errors are rare.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 9
  2. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Past simple

    Which past form?

    ask in this order

    1. 1An old habit that has ended?
      • yes: 'as a child'used to + base verb
      ↓ no: it's one occasion
    2. 2Finished, or in progress then?
      • finished: 'ago'past simple
      • in progress: 'while'was / were + -ing

    For a number of times or a set period, use the past simple: 'we visited twice'.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 9
  3. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Past simple

    The three forms

    build it, then use it

    FormBuild itExample
    regularverb + -edWe painted it.
    irregularbuy → boughtWe bought it.
    negativedid not + verbWe did not go.
    continuouswas/were + -ingI was cooking.
    used toused to + verbWe used to go.

    After did, the verb goes back to base: did not go, did not use to go.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material3 / 9
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9 cards

Contents

  1. 1Three slips in one storypast forms are easy to breakIn the preview
  2. 2Which past form?ask in this orderIn the preview
  3. 3The three formsbuild it, then use itIn the preview
  4. 4Time words pick the tensespot them firstFree account
  5. 5In IELTS Speaking Part 2one story, three past formsFree account
  6. 6In a PTE gapthe clue, then the exact formFree account
  7. 7Fix the pastone rule behind each fixFree account
  8. 8Your turnone correct sentence each timeFree account
  9. 9Save thisthe past-tense checklistFree account

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The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS or PTE?+

Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.

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© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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