Before starting the exercise for past tense 「…た」, please clarify any doubts you may have about the grammatical rules by referring to your grammar guidebook or dictionary. The Instantaneous Composition Method requires you to compose sentences with the target sentence pattern(s) over and over in order to use them almost effortlessly. You should already have the necessary knowledge.
- Reference
- Genki I – Lesson 4: Verbs (past tense)
- Tae Kim’s Guide – Past Tense
Instantaneous Composition Exercise for Past Tense 「…た」
This is not a translation exercise. This is the Instantaneous Composition Exercise. As if a reflexive action, try to create an equivalent Japanese sentence shortly after reading an English script. Try not to think for more than three seconds.
- Audio File
English and Hidden Japanese Scripts
| 1. | (I) arrived at my house. |
| 家に着きました。 |
| 2. | (I) sat down there. |
| そこに座りました。 |
| 3. | My grandfather died. |
| おじいさんは死にました。 |
| 4. | (I) ate breakfast. |
| 朝ごはんを食べました。 |
| 5. | (I) used an umbrella. |
| 傘を使いました。 |
| 6. | As for my friend, (I) didn’t wait for (him). |
| 友だちは待ちませんでした。 |
| 7. | As for the movie, (I) didn’t watch (it). |
| 映画は見ませんでした。 |
| 8. | (I) didn’t turn left. |
| 左に曲がりませんでした。 |
| 9. | As for the book, (I) didn’t read (it). |
| 本は読みませんでした。 |
| 10. | As for my homework, (I) didn’t do (it). |
| 宿題はしませんでした。 |
Recommended Links
How to Proceed with the Instantaneous Composition Method
Japanese Grammar: Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty 「はずだ」「違いない」「かもしれない」
Japanese Grammar Exercises: Verb Clauses 「こと」「の」
