The past tense is used to express the following: 1. A definite completed action in the pastOur country experienced a long drought last year. 2.A habitual or repeated action in the past.However, a month ago, it rained almost every day. 3. A condition or situation in the. pastMrs. Greywhistle owned a bakery.She seemed to lose hope for rain to come. 4. An event with duration in the past.Mrs. Greywhistle managed the shop for 20 years. Her husband tended their farm for almost three decades.