【—一般過去時用法的】一般過去時表示在過去確定的時間裡所發生的動作或存在的狀態或者是在過去一段時間內經常性或習慣性的動作。
1）在確定的過去時間裡所發生的動作或存在的狀態。
時間狀語有：yesterday, last week, an hour ago, the other day, in 1982等。
Where did you go just now?
2）表示在過去一段時間內，經常性或習慣性的動作。
When I was a child, I often played football in the street.
Whenever the Browns went during their visit, they were given a warm welcome.
3）句型：
It is time for sb. to do sth "到……時間了" "該……了"
It is time sb. did sth. "時間已遲了" "早該……了"
It is time for you to go to bed. 你該睡覺了。
It is time you went to bed. 你早該睡覺了。
would (had) rather sb. did sth. 表示'寧願某人做某事'
I'd rather you came tomorrow.
4) wish, wonder, think, hope 等用過去時，作試探性的詢問、請求、建議等。
I thought you might have some. 我以為你想要一些。
比較：
一般過去時表示的動作或狀態都已成為過去，現已不復存在。
Christine was an invalid all her life.
(含義：她已不在人間。)
Christine has been an invalid all her life.
(含義：她現在還活著)
Mrs. Darby lived in Kentucky for seven years.
(含義：達比太太已不再住在肯塔基州。)
Mrs. Darby has lived in Kentucky for seven years.
( 含義：現在還住在肯塔基州，有可能指剛離去)
注意： 用過去時表示現在，表示委婉語氣。
1）動詞want, hope, wonder, think, intend 等。
Did you want anything else?
I wondered if you could help me.
2）情態動詞 could, would.
Could you lend me your bike?
一般過去式與一般現在時所表示的很相像，但一個表示過去，一個表示的是現在所發生的。