Putting an Event in the Past

Level 2

A past-time phrase or established story context can locate an event even when a verb is uninflected: Yesterday I go there. Past-marked forms also occur; bare verbs do not make every event timeless.

How It Works

A time phrase such as yesterday or just now can place an event in the past while the main verb stays bare. Yesterday I go there describes a past visit in the intended context. Bare form does not force a present-time meaning.

Past endings and irregular past forms still occur in Singapore English. Do not replace every went with go, or label a past-marked form un-Singlish. In a longer account, the established timeline can keep later clauses in the past without repeating yesterday. If that timeline becomes unclear, add a time phrase or another appropriate cue.

Examples (4)

  1. Yesterday I go there with Mei.

    Yesterday I went there with Mei.

  2. Just now he call me.

    He called me a little earlier.

  3. Last week we take the train.

    Last week we took the train.

  4. Yesterday she sent the receipt.

    Yesterday she sent the receipt; a past-marked form is also available.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Putting an Event in the PastLevel 2

Learn This First

Identify an action clause before locating its event with a past-time phrase.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.