Question 1

When do I use "was/were" instead of "did" in Past Simple questions?

Accepted Answer

Use "was/were" when asking about states or conditions (adjectives, locations, age). Use "did" when asking about actions or activities (verbs like think, feel, decide, prepare).

Question 2

Is "feel" used with "was/were" or "did"?

Accepted Answer

"Feel" is an action verb, so use "did": "Did you feel tired?" However, if using an adjective alone, use "was/were": "Were you tired?"

Question 3

How do I ask about where someone was born?

Accepted Answer

Always use "Where were you born?" (not "Where did you born?"). Being born is a state of existence, not an action you perform.

Question 4

What about verbs like "become" and "seem"?

Accepted Answer

Both "become" and "seem" are action verbs. Use "did": "How did he become successful?" and "How did it seem to you?"

Question 5

How do I form negative questions with was/were vs did?

Accepted Answer

For states: "Weren't you interested?" For actions: "Didn't you prepare dinner?" The negative form follows the same state vs action rule.

Was/Were vs Did - Part 2 (Practice)