英語動詞時態用法歸納：一般過去時

一、構成

由動詞的過去式表示。be 和have分別為was / were和had.

二、基本用法

(1) 表示過去某個時間發生的動作或存在的狀態。這個時間可以通過具體的時間狀語、從句或上下文等來表示。如：

She bought her friend a present yesterday. 她昨天買了一件禮物給她的朋友。

I lived in this village when I was a boy. 當我還是個孩子的時候我住在這個村莊里。

I went to the city, but my brother remained at home. 我去了城市，可弟弟留在了家里。

I couldn't sew until I was six. 我直到六歲時才會用針縫東西。

—Alice is not coming to your birthday party tonight.

—But she promised.

—艾利斯今晚不來參加你的生日聚會了。

—但是她答應要來的。

(2) 表示過去經常性或習慣性的動作。如：

We used to go there every year. 我每年都去那兒。

We often played together when we were children．我們小時候常在一起玩。

The little boy made a living by selling newspaper. 那個小男孩靠賣報謀生。

She usually went out on Saturday nights. 她通常在周六晚上外出。

(3) 有些情況，發生的時間雖然不很清楚，但實際上是過去發生的，也要用過去時。如：

It was a pity you didn’t go to the lecture. 很遺憾你沒去聽講座。

I was glad to hear from you. 很高興收到你的信。

How did you like the film? 你覺得這部電影怎樣？

三、一般過去時表現在

(1) 少數動詞want, wonder, think, hope, intend等的一般過去時表示委婉的現在。如：

Did You Want to tell me something? 你想告訴我什么嗎?。

I wondered if you could have a word with me. 請問您能否和我談一談。

I thought you might like some flowers. 我想您也許想要些花。

I hoped you could help me with my English. 我希望你能幫我學英語。

(2) 在賓語從句中，因時態呼應的關系，可用一般過去時表示現在。如：

I didn’t know you were in London. How long have you been here? 我不知道你在倫敦，你在這兒多久了？

I clearly forgot it was my birthday today. 我確實忘了今天是我的生日。

(3) think, mean等動詞的過去時表示與現在事實相反的情況。如：

I meant to get up early, but forgot to set the alarm.我本想要早起，但忘記了上鬧鐘。

I never thought to work here.我從未料到會在這兒上班。

I didn’t expect to meet you here. 我沒想到在這兒碰到你。

(4)在某些句型中一般過去時表示現在或將來。如：

It’s high time you started. 你早就該動身了。

I wish I were 30 years younger. 我但愿自己能年輕三十歲。

I wish I had a car some day. 要是我們來日有一輛車多好啊。

I’d rather it were winter now. 我但愿現在是冬天。

I’d rather you come next Monday. 我寧愿你下周星期一來。

If I had the money now, I would buy an English-English dictionary. 如果我現在有錢，我就買本英-英詞典。

She talked as if he knew everything. 她說話的神情，好像她什么都知道似的。