1、过去已经完成的动作、结束的事情,或在过去重复发生的动作
When I was a child we always went to the seaside in August.
2、used to :表示过去的习惯,现在不存在
I used to smoke, but I don’t any more.
3、用在it’s time, would rather, wish后面的从句中
It’s time you went home.
I wish I had a better memory.
I’d rather you came tomorrow.
4、在从句中用来说明现在还存在着“过去”的情况
I’m sorry we left Paris. It was such a nice place.
5、could, might, would, should等“过去”的情态动词可用来指现在或者将来
Could you help me for a moment ?
I think it might rain soon.
Would you come this way, please ?
Alice should be here soon.
6、一般过去时与现在完成时在时间上的比较
①现在完成时所用的时间词: since, ever since, for…, recently, lately, so far, yet, all this year, all my life, ever, never, already, before, just, in / during the last /past + 时间段, etc.
②一般过去时所用的时间词yesterday, last week, in 1999, when, years ago, then, just now, etc.