Essential English Vocabulary & Grammar: Simple Past & More

Essential English Vocabulary

• Supportive: Apoyo
• Helpful: Servicial
• Outgoing: Extrovertida
• Extroverted: Extrovertido
• Truthful: Veraz
• Sincere: Sincero
• Enthusiastic: Entusiasta
• Energetic: Energético
• Dependable: Confiable
• Reliable: De confianza
• Responsible: Responsable
• Mature: Maduro
• Cruel: Cruel
• Mean: Media
• Optimistic: Optimista
• Positive: Positivo
• Sympathetic: Simpático
• Kind: Tipo
• Bitter: Amargo
• Angry: Enojado
• Eager: Ansioso
• Willing: Complaciente
• Dedicated: Dedicado
• Determined: Determinado

More Useful Words

• Bully: Matón
• Victims: Víctimas
• Star: Estrella
• Founder: Fundador
• Get involved: Involucrarse
• Get things done: Terminar las cosas
• Get better: Mejorar
• Get the feeling: Da la sensación
• Get permission: Obtener permiso
• Get used to: Acostumbrarse a
• Make an effort: Haz un esfuerzo
• Make an impression: Dejar una impresión
• Make a difference: Hacer la diferencia
• Make the most of: Aprovechar al máximo

Grammar Essentials

Past Simple

Use didn't or did. In affirmative sentences, use the second form of the verb (or add -ed). This tense describes a completed action in the past, often with a specific time marker like "this morning."

Past Continuous

Use was or were + verb + -ing. This tense describes an action in progress at a specific time in the past. The time is often specified.

Use To

Use used to + verb in the infinitive. In negative sentences, use didn't use to (remove the -ed from used). This is used to describe past habits. Example: "I used to have blond hair."

Present Perfect Simple

Use has or have + verb in the third form (or add -ed). This tense describes actions that started in the past and have a result in the present.

Present Perfect Continuous

Use has or have + been + verb + -ing. This tense is used when you are doing something in the present that has a progressive result. Example: "It has been raining for hours."

Present Perfect with Already, Still, Yet, Just, Ever, Never

• Already: Used in affirmative sentences to emphasize. It goes after she.
• Still: Used in negative sentences. It goes after he.
• Yet: Used in negative or interrogative sentences. It always goes at the end of the sentence.
• Just: Used in affirmative sentences to say you did something recently.
• Ever: Used in questions about experiences. Example: "Have you ever been to the USA?" Also used with superlative adjectives, e.g., "most optimistic."
• Never: Used in affirmative sentences when an experience is not going to be real.