The formula for asking a question in the simple past tense is did + [subject] + [root form of verb]. ... The formula is was/were + [subject].

Is was not simple past?

To Be. The verb "be" is also irregular in the simple past. Unlike other irregular verbs, there are two simple past forms: "was" and "were." It also has different question forms and negative forms. Always remember that you DO NOT use "did" with the verb "be" in the simple past.

What is the past tense of was?

The simple past tense for was vs. were. The simple past tense is the only past tense form we use for were and was because “was” and “were” are the preterite forms of the verb 'to be.