Identify the tense – simple present or simple past

Read the following sentences and state whether they are in the simple present or simple past tense.

1. I had a strange experience yesterday.

2. She looked out of the window.

3. I know the answer.

4. I have my dinner at 8 pm.

5. She always keeps her room neat and clean.

6. My mother sings well.

7. My sister speaks five languages.

8. The boys play cricket every evening.

9. I love strawberry ice cream.

10. The birds drink water from the lake.

11. She put the books on the table.

12. The cat drank all the milk.

13. The teacher praised the boy.

14. I forgot my umbrella at home.

Answers

1. I had a strange experience yesterday. (had – simple past tense)

2. She looked out of the window. (looked – simple past tense)

3. I know the answer. (know – simple present tense)

4. I have my dinner at 8 pm. (have – simple present tense)

5. She always keeps her room neat and clean. (keeps – simple present tense)

6. My mother sings well. (sings – simple present tense)

7. My sister speaks five languages. (speaks – simple present tense)

8. The boys play cricket every evening. (play – simple present tense)

9. I love strawberry ice cream. (love – simple present tense)

10. The birds drink water from the lake. (drink – simple present tense)

11. She put the books on the table. (put – simple past tense; If the verb was ‘puts’ the sentence would be in the simple present tense)

12. The cat drank all the milk. (drank – simple past tense)

13. The teacher praised the boy. (praised – simple past tense)

14. I forgot my umbrella at home. (forgot – simple past tense)