Simple Present

FORM
[VERB] + s/es in third person Examples: You speak English. Do you speak English? You do not speak English.

USE 1 Repeated Actions

Use the imple !resent to express the idea that an a"tion is repeated or usual. #he a"tion "an $e a ha$it% a ho$$y% a daily e&ent% a s"heduled e&ent or something that o'ten happens. (t "an also $e something a person o'ten 'orgets or usually does not do. Examples:

( play tennis. he does not play tennis. Does he play tennis? he al)ays forgets her purse. *e ne&er forgets his )allet. E&ery t)el&e months% the Earth circles the un.

USE 2 Facts or Generali ations

#he imple !resent "an also indi"ate the spea+er $elie&es that a 'a"t )as true $e'ore% is true no)% and )ill $e true in the 'uture. (t is not important i' the spea+er is "orre"t a$out the 'a"t. (t is also used to ma+e generali,ations a$out people or things. Examples: -ats like mil+. -ali'ornia is in .meri"a. /indo)s are made o' glass.

USE ! Sc"ed#led E$ents in t"e %ear F#t#re

pea+ers o""asionally use imple !resent to tal+ a$out s"heduled e&ents in the near 'uture. #his is most "ommonly done )hen tal+ing a$out pu$li" transportation% $ut it "an $e used )ith other s"heduled e&ents as )ell. Examples: #he train lea$es tonight at 0 !1. #he party starts at 2 o3"lo"+.

USE & %o' (%on)*ontin#o#s +er,s-

pea+ers sometimes use the imple !resent to express the idea that an a"tion is happening or is not happening no). #his "an only $e done )ith 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and "ertain 1ixed Ver$s. Examples: ( am here no). *e does not need help no). *e "as his passport in his hand.

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Simple Past
FORM
[VERB+ed] or irregular &er$s Examples: You called 7e$$ie. Did you call 7e$$ie? You did not call 7e$$ie.

USE 1 *ompleted Action in t"e Past

Use the imple !ast to express the idea that an a"tion started and 'inished at a spe"i'i" time in the past. ometimes% the spea+er may not a"tually mention the spe"i'i" time% $ut they do ha&e one spe"i'i" time in mind. Examples: ( sa' a mo&ie yesterday. 8ast year% ( didn.t tra$el to 9orea. Did you "a$e dinner last night? he 'as"ed her "ar.

USE 2 A Series of *ompleted Actions

/e use the imple !ast to list a series o' "ompleted a"tions in the past. #hese a"tions happen :st% ;nd% <rd% =th% and so on. Examples: ( finis"ed )or+% 'alked to the $ea"h% and fo#nd a ni"e pla"e to s)im. Did you add 'lour% po#r in the mil+% and then add the eggs?

USE ! D#ration in Past

#he imple !ast "an $e used )ith a duration )hi"h starts and stops in the past. . duration is a longer a"tion o'ten indi"ated $y expressions su"h as: 'or t)o years% 'or 'i&e minutes% all day% all year% et". Examples: ( li$ed in Bra,il 'or t)o years. hauna st#died >apanese 'or 'i&e years. #hey sat at the $ea"h all day. /e talked on the phone 'or thirty minutes.

USE & /a,its in t"e Past

#he imple !ast "an also $e used to des"ri$e a ha$it )hi"h stopped in the past. (t "an ha&e the same meaning as ?used to.? #o ma+e it "lear that )e are tal+ing a$out a ha$it% )e o'ten add expressions su"h as: al)ays% o'ten% usually% ne&er% )hen ( )as a "hild% )hen ( )as younger% et". Examples: ( st#died @ren"h )hen ( )as a "hild. *e didn.t play the piano. Did you play a musi"al instrument )hen you )ere a +id? he 'orked at the mo&ie theater a'ter s"hool.

USE 0 Past Facts or Generali ations

#he imple !ast "an also $e used to des"ri$e past 'a"ts or generali,ations )hi"h are no longer true. .s in U E = a$o&e% this use o' the imple !ast is Auite similar to the expression ?used to.? Examples: he 'as shy as a "hild% $ut no) she is &ery outgoing. Did you li$e in #exas )hen you 'ere a +id? !eople paid mu"h more to ma+e "ell phone "alls in the past.

1MPOR2A%2 3"en)*la#ses /appen First

-lauses are groups o' )ords )hi"h ha&e meaning $ut are o'ten not "omplete senten"es. ome "lauses $egin )ith the )ord ?)hen? su"h as ?)hen ( dropped my pen...? or ?)hen "lass $egan...? #hese "lauses are "alled )hen5"lauses% and they are &ery important. #he examples $elo) "ontain )hen5"lauses. Examples: 3"en 1 paid "er one dollar% she ans)ered my Auestion. he ans)ered my Auestion '"en 1 paid "er one dollar.

/hen5"lauses are important $e"ause they al)ays happen 'irst )hen $oth "lauses are in the imple !ast. Both o' the examples a$o&e mean the same thing: 'irst% ( paid her one dollar% and then% she ans)ered my Auestion. (t is not important )hether ?)hen ( paid her one dollar? is at the $eginning o' the senten"e or at the end o' the senten"e.

*o)e&er% the example $elo) has a di''erent meaning. @irst% she ans)ered my Auestion% and then% ( paid her one dollar. Example:

( paid her one dollar '"en s"e ans'ered my 4#estion.

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Present *ontin#o#s
FORM
[am/is/are + present parti"iple] Examples: You are 'atc"ing #V. Are you 'atc"ing #V? You are not 'atc"ing #V.

USE 1 %o'

Use the !resent -ontinuous )ith 4ormal Ver$s to express the idea that something is happening no)% at this &ery moment. (t "an also $e used to sho) that something is not happening no). Examples:

You are learning English no). ( am not standing. 1s he sitting or standing? #hey are reading their $oo+s. /hat are you doing?

USE 2 5onger Actions in Progress %o'

(n English% ?no)? "an mean: this se"ond% today% this month% this year% this "entury% and so on. ometimes% )e use the !resent -ontinuous to say that )e are in the pro"ess

o' doing a longer a"tion )hi"h is in progressB ho)e&er% )e might not $e doing it at this exa"t se"ond. Examples: C.ll o' these senten"es "an $e said )hile eating dinner in a restaurant.D ( am st#dying to $e"ome a do"tor. ( am reading the $oo+ Tom Sawyer. ( am not reading any $oo+s right no).

USE ! %ear F#t#re

ometimes% spea+ers use the !resent -ontinuous to indi"ate that something )ill or )ill not happen in the near 'uture. Examples: ( am meeting some 'riends a'ter )or+. ( am not going to the party tonight. 1sn.t he coming )ith us tonight?

USE & Repetition and 1rritation 'it" 6Al'ays6

#he !resent -ontinuous )ith )ords su"h as ?al)ays? or ?"onstantly? expresses the idea that something irritating or sho"+ing o'ten happens. 4oti"e that the meaning is li+e imple !resent% $ut )ith negati&e emotion. Remem$er to put the )ords ?al)ays? or ?"onstantly? $et)een ?$e? and ?&er$+ing.? Examples: he is al'ays coming to "lass late. *e is constantly talking. ( )ish he )ould shut up.

REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using !resent -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use imple !resent. Examples:

he is lo$ing this "ho"olate i"e "ream. Not Correct he lo$es this "ho"olate i"e "ream. Correct

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Past *ontin#o#s
FORM
[)as/)ere + present parti"iple] Examples: You 'ere st#dying )hen she "alled. 3ere you st#dying )hen she "alled? You 'ere not st#dying )hen she "alled.

USE 1 1nterr#pted Action in t"e Past

Use the !ast -ontinuous to indi"ate that a longer a"tion in the past )as interrupted. #he interruption is usually a shorter a"tion in the imple !ast. Remem$er this "an $e a real interruption or Eust an interruption in time. Examples:

( 'as 'atc"ing #V )hen she "alled. /hen the phone rang% she 'as 'riting a letter. /hile )e 'ere "a$ing the pi"ni"% it started to rain. /hile >ohn 'as sleeping last night% someone stole his "ar. /hile ( 'as 'riting the email% the "omputer suddenly )ent o''. .: /hat 'ere you doing )hen you $ro+e your leg? B: ( 'as sno',oarding.

USE 2 Specific 2ime as an 1nterr#ption

(n U E :% des"ri$ed a$o&e% the !ast -ontinuous is interrupted $y a shorter a"tion in the imple !ast. *o)e&er% you "an also use a spe"i'i" time as an interruption.

Examples: 8ast night at 0 !1% ( 'as eating dinner. .t midnight% )e 'ere still dri$ing through the desert. Yesterday at this time% ( 'as sitting at my des+ at )or+.

1MPOR2A%2
(n the imple !ast% a spe"i'i" time is used to sho) )hen an a"tion $egan or 'inished. (n the !ast -ontinuous% a spe"i'i" time only interrupts the a"tion. Examples:

8ast night at 0 !1% ( ate dinner.

I STARTED EATING AT 6 PM.

8ast night at 0 !1% ( 'as eating dinner.

I STARTED EARLIER; AND AT 6 PM, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EATING DINNER.

USE ! Parallel Actions

/hen you use the !ast -ontinuous )ith t)o a"tions in the same senten"e% it expresses the idea that $oth a"tions )ere happening at the same time. #he a"tions are parallel. Examples: ( 'as st#dying )hile he 'as making dinner. 3ere you listening )hile he 'as talking? #homas 'asn.t 'orking% and ( 'asn.t 'orking either. #hey 'ere eating dinner% disc#ssing their plans% and "a$ing a good time.

USE & Atmosp"ere

(n English% )e o'ten use a series o' parallel a"tions to des"ri$e the atmosphere at a parti"ular time in the past. Example:

/hen ( )al+ed into the o''i"e% se&eral people 'ere $usily typing% some 'ere talking on the phones% the $oss 'as yelling dire"tions% and "ustomers 'ere 'aiting to $e helped. Fne "ustomer 'as yelling at a se"retary and 'a$ing his hands. Fthers 'ere complaining to ea"h other a$out the $ad ser&i"e.

USE 0 Repetition and 1rritation 'it" 6Al'ays6

#he !ast -ontinuous )ith )ords su"h as ?al)ays? or ?"onstantly? expresses the idea that something irritating or sho"+ing o'ten happened in the past. #he "on"ept is &ery similar to the expression ?used to? $ut )ith negati&e emotion. Remem$er to put the )ords ?al)ays? or ?"onstantly? $et)een ?$e? and ?&er$+ing.? Examples: he 'as al'ays coming to "lass late. *e 'as constantly talking. *e annoyed e&eryone. ( didn3t li+e them $e"ause they 'ere al'ays complaining.

3"ile $s: 3"en

-lauses are groups o' )ords )hi"h ha&e meaning% $ut are o'ten not "omplete senten"es. ome "lauses $egin )ith the )ord ?)hen? su"h as ?)hen she "alled? or ?)hen it $it me.? Fther "lauses $egin )ith ?)hile? su"h as ?)hile she )as sleeping? and ?)hile he )as sur'ing.? /hen you tal+ a$out things in the past% ?)hen? is most o'ten 'ollo)ed $y the &er$ tense imple !ast% )hereas ?)hile? is usually 'ollo)ed $y !ast -ontinuous. ?/hile? expresses the idea o' ?during that time.? tudy the examples $elo). #hey ha&e similar meanings% $ut they emphasi,e di''erent parts o' the senten"e. Examples: ( )as studying '"en s"e called. 3"ile 1 'as st#dying% she "alled.

REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s 8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using !ast -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use imple !ast. Examples: >ane 'as ,eing at my house )hen you arri&ed. Not Correct >ane 'as at my house )hen you arri&ed. Correct

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Present Perfect

FORM
[has/ha&e + past parti"iple] Examples: You "a$e seen that mo&ie many times. /a$e you seen that mo&ie many times? You "a$e not seen that mo&ie many times.

USE 1 Unspecified 2ime 7efore %o'

/e use the !resent !er'e"t to say that an a"tion happened at an unspe"i'ied time $e'ore no). #he exa"t time is not important. You -.44F# use the !resent !er'e"t )ith spe"i'i" time expressions su"h as: yesterday% one year ago% last )ee+% )hen ( )as a "hild% )hen ( li&ed in >apan% at that moment% that day% one day% et". /e -.4 use the !resent !er'e"t )ith unspe"i'i" expressions su"h as: e&er% ne&er% on"e% many times% se&eral times% $e'ore% so 'ar% already% yet% et". Examples:

( "a$e seen that mo&ie t)enty times. ( thin+ ( "a$e met him on"e $e'ore. #here "a$e ,een many earthAua+es in -ali'ornia. !eople "a$e tra$eled to the 1oon. /a$e you read the $oo+ yet? 4o$ody "as e&er clim,ed that mountain.

/o' Do ;o# Act#ally Use t"e Present Perfect<

#he "on"ept o' ?unspe"i'ied time? "an $e &ery "on'using to English learners. (t is $est to asso"iate !resent !er'e"t )ith the 'ollo)ing topi"s:

2OP1* 1 E9perience
You "an use the !resent !er'e"t to des"ri$e your experien"e. (t is li+e saying% ?( ha&e the experien"e o'...? You "an also use this tense to say that you ha&e ne&er had a "ertain experien"e. #he !resent !er'e"t is 4F# used to des"ri$e a spe"i'i" e&ent. Examples:

( "a$e ,een to @ran"e.

THIS SENTENCE MEANS THAT YOU HA YOU HA E "EEN THERE ONCE, OR SE
E HAD THE E!PERIENCE OF "EING IN ERAL TIMES.

FRANCE. MAY"E

( "a$e ,een to @ran"e three times.

YOU CAN ADD THE NUM"ER OF TIMES AT THE END OF THE SENTENCE.

( "a$e ne&er ,een to @ran"e.

THIS SENTENCE MEANS THAT YOU HA
E NOT HAD THE E!PERIENCE OF GOING TO

FRANCE.

( thin+ ( "a$e seen that mo&ie $e'ore. *e "as ne&er tra$eled $y train. >oan "as st#died t)o 'oreign languages. .: /a$e you e&er met him? B: 4o% ( "a$e not met him.

2OP1* 2 *"ange O$er 2ime

/e o'ten use the !resent !er'e"t to tal+ a$out "hange that has happened o&er a period o' time. Examples: You "a$e gro'n sin"e the last time ( sa) you. #he go&ernment "as ,ecome more interested in arts edu"ation. 1y English "as really impro$ed sin"e ( mo&ed to .ustralia.

2OP1* ! Accomplis"ments
/e o'ten use the !resent !er'e"t to list the a""omplishments o' indi&iduals and humanity. You "annot mention a spe"i'i" time. Examples: 1an "as 'alked on the 1oon. Fur son "as learned ho) to read. 7o"tors "a$e c#red many deadly diseases.

2OP1* & An Uncompleted Action ;o# Are E9pecting

/e o'ten use the !resent !er'e"t to say that an a"tion )hi"h )e expe"ted has not happened. Using the !resent !er'e"t suggests that )e are still )aiting 'or the a"tion to happen. Examples: >ames "as not finis"ed his home)or+ yet. Bill "as still not arri$ed. #he rain "asn.t stopped.

2OP1* 0 M#ltiple Actions at Different 2imes

/e also use the !resent !er'e"t to tal+ a$out se&eral di''erent a"tions )hi"h ha&e o""urred in the past at di''erent times. !resent !er'e"t suggests the pro"ess is not "omplete and more a"tions are possi$le. Examples: #he army "as attacked that "ity 'i&e times. ( "a$e "ad 'our Aui,,es and 'i&e tests so 'ar this semester.

2ime E9pressions 'it" Present Perfect

/hen )e use the !resent !er'e"t it means that something has happened at some point in our li&es $e'ore no). Remem$er% the exa"t time the a"tion happened is not important.

ometimes% )e )ant to limit the time )e are loo+ing in 'or an experien"e. /e "an do this )ith expressions su"h as: in the last )ee+% in the last year% this )ee+% this month% so 'ar% up to no)% et".

Examples:

/a$e you ,een to 1exi"o in t"e last year? ( "a$e seen that mo&ie six times in t"e last mont". #hey "a$e "ad three tests in t"e last 'eek. he graduated 'rom uni&ersity less than three years ago. he "as 'orked 'or three di''erent "ompanies so far. 1y "ar "as ,roken do)n three times t"is 'eek.

%O21*E
?8ast year? and ?in the last year? are &ery di''erent in meaning. ?8ast year? means the year $e'ore no)% and it is "onsidered a spe"i'i" time )hi"h reAuires imple !ast. ?(n the last year? means 'rom <0G days ago until no). (t is not "onsidered a spe"i'i" time% so it reAuires !resent !er'e"t. Examples:

( 'ent to 1exi"o last year.

I WENT TO ME!ICO IN THE CALENDAR YEAR "EFORE THIS ONE.

( "a$e ,een to 1exi"o in t"e last year.

I HA
E "EEN TO

ME!ICO AT LEAST ONCE AT SOME POINT "ETWEEN #6$ DAYS AGO AND NOW.

USE 2 D#ration From t"e Past Until %o' (%on)*ontin#o#s +er,s-

/ith 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% )e use the !resent !er'e"t to sho) that something started in the past and has "ontinued up until no). ?@or 'i&e minutes%? ?'or t)o )ee+s%? and ?sin"e #uesday? are all durations )hi"h "an $e used )ith the !resent !er'e"t. Examples: ( "a$e "ad a "old 'or t)o )ee+s. he "as ,een in England 'or six months. 1ary "as lo$ed "ho"olate sin"e she )as a little girl.

.lthough the a$o&e use o' !resent !er'e"t is normally limited to 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% the )ords ?li&e%? ?)or+%? ?tea"h%? and ?study? are sometimes used in this )ay e&en though they are 4F# 4on5 -ontinuous Ver$s. 666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

Past Perfect
FORM
[had + past parti"iple] Examples: You "ad st#died English $e'ore you mo&ed to 4e) Yor+. /ad you st#died English $e'ore you mo&ed to 4e) Yor+? You "ad not st#died English $e'ore you mo&ed to 4e) Yor+.

USE 1 *ompleted Action 7efore Somet"ing in t"e Past

#he !ast !er'e"t expresses the idea that something o""urred $e'ore another a"tion in the past. (t "an also sho) that something happened $e'ore a spe"i'i" time in the past. Examples:

( "ad ne&er seen su"h a $eauti'ul $ea"h $e'ore ( )ent to 9auai.

( did not ha&e any money $e"ause ( "ad lost my )allet. #ony +ne) (stan$ul so )ell $e"ause he "ad $isited the "ity se&eral times. /ad usan e&er st#died #hai $e'ore she mo&ed to #hailand? 9ristine "ad ne&er ,een to an opera $e'ore last night.

USE 2 D#ration 7efore Somet"ing in t"e Past (%on)*ontin#o#s +er,s-

/ith 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and some non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% )e use the !ast !er'e"t to sho) that something started in the past and "ontinued up until another a"tion in the past. Examples: /e "ad "ad that "ar 'or ten years $e'ore it $ro+e do)n. By the time .lex 'inished his studies% he "ad ,een in 8ondon 'or o&er eight years. .lthough the a$o&e use o' !ast !er'e"t is normally limited to 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% the )ords ?li&e%? ?)or+%? ?tea"h%? and ?study? are sometimes used in this )ay e&en though they are 4F# 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s.

1MPOR2A%2 Specific 2imes 'it" t"e Past Perfect

Unli+e )ith the !resent !er'e"t% it is possi$le to use spe"i'i" time )ords or phrases )ith the !ast !er'e"t. .lthough this is possi$le% it is usually not ne"essary. Example:

he "ad $isited her >apanese relati&es on"e in :HH< $e'ore she mo&ed in )ith them in :HH0.

MOREO+ER
(' the !ast !er'e"t a"tion did o""ur at a spe"i'i" time% the imple !ast "an $e used instead o' the !ast !er'e"t )hen ?$e'ore? or ?a'ter? is used in the senten"e. #he )ords ?$e'ore? and ?a'ter? a"tually tell you )hat happens 'irst% so the !ast !er'e"t is optional. @or this reason% $oth senten"es $elo) are "orre"t. Examples:

he "ad $isited her >apanese relati&es on"e in :HH< $e'ore she mo&ed in )ith them in :HH0. he $isited her >apanese relati&es on"e in :HH< $e'ore she mo&ed in )ith them in :HH0.

/O3E+ER

(' the !ast !er'e"t is not re'erring to an a"tion at a spe"i'i" time% !ast !er'e"t is not optional. -ompare the examples $elo). *ere !ast !er'e"t is re'erring to a la"+ o' experien"e rather than an a"tion at a spe"i'i" time. @or this reason% imple !ast "annot $e used. Examples:

he ne&er sa' a $ear $e'ore she mo&ed to .las+a. Not Correct he "ad ne&er seen a $ear $e'ore she mo&ed to .las+a. Correct

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Present Perfect *ontin#o#s

FORM
[has/ha&e + $een + present parti"iple] Examples: You "a$e ,een 'aiting here 'or t)o hours. /a$e you ,een 'aiting here 'or t)o hours? You "a$e not ,een 'aiting here 'or t)o hours.

USE 1 D#ration from t"e Past Until %o'

/e use the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous to sho) that something started in the past and has "ontinued up until no). ?@or 'i&e minutes%? ?'or t)o )ee+s%? and ?sin"e #uesday? are all durations )hi"h "an $e used )ith the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous. Examples:

#hey "a$e ,een talking 'or the last hour. he "as ,een 'orking at that "ompany 'or three years. /hat "a$e you ,een doing 'or the last <I minutes? >ames "as ,een teac"ing at the uni&ersity sin"e >une.

USE 2 Recently= 5ately

You "an also use the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous /(#*FU# a duration su"h as ?'or t)o )ee+s.? /ithout the duration% the tense has a more general meaning o' ?lately.? /e o'ten use the )ords ?lately? or ?re"ently? to emphasi,e this meaning. Examples:

Re"ently% ( "a$e ,een feeling really tired. he "as ,een 'atc"ing too mu"h tele&ision lately. 1ary "as ,een feeling a little depressed. 8isa "as not ,een practicing her English. /hat "a$e you ,een doing?

1MPOR2A%2
Remem$er that the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous has the meaning o' ?lately? or ?re"ently.? (' you use the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous in a Auestion su"h as ?*a&e you $een 'eeling alright??% it "an suggest that the person loo+s si"+ or unhealthy. . Auestion su"h as ?*a&e you $een smo+ing?? "an suggest that you smell the smo+e on the person. Using this tense in a Auestion suggests you "an see% smell% hear or 'eel the results o' the a"tion. (t is possi$le to insult someone $y using this tense in"orre"tly.

REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use !resent !er'e"t. Examples:

am "as ,een "a$ing his "ar 'or t)o years. Not Correct am "as "ad his "ar 'or t)o years. Correct

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Past Perfect *ontin#o#s

FORM
[had $een + present parti"iple] Examples: You "ad ,een 'aiting there 'or more than t)o hours )hen she 'inally arri&ed. /ad you ,een 'aiting there 'or more than t)o hours )hen she 'inally arri&ed? You "ad not ,een 'aiting there 'or more than t)o hours )hen she 'inally arri&ed.

USE 1 D#ration 7efore Somet"ing in t"e Past

/e use the !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous to sho) that something started in the past and "ontinued up until another time in the past. ?@or 'i&e minutes? and ?'or t)o )ee+s? are $oth durations )hi"h "an $e used )ith the !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous. 4oti"e that this is related to the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuousB ho)e&er% the duration does not "ontinue until no)% it stops $e'ore something else in the past. Examples: #hey "ad ,een talking 'or o&er an hour $e'ore #ony arri&ed. *o) long "ad you ,een 'aiting to get on the $us? 1i+e )anted to sit do)n $e"ause he "ad ,een standing all day at )or+. >ames "ad ,een teac"ing at the uni&ersity 'or more than a year $e'ore he le't 'or .sia.

USE 2 *a#se of Somet"ing in t"e Past

Using the !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous $e'ore another a"tion in the past is a good )ay to sho) "ause and e''e"t. Examples:

>ason )as tired $e"ause he "ad ,een >ogging.

am gained )eight $e"ause he "ad ,een o$ereating. Betty 'ailed the 'inal test $e"ause she "ad not ,een attending "lass.

Past *ontin#o#s $s: Past Perfect *ontin#o#s

(' you do not in"lude a duration su"h as ?'or 'i&e minutes%? ?'or t)o )ee+s? or ?sin"e @riday%? many English spea+ers "hoose to use the !ast -ontinuous rather than the !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous. Be "are'ul $e"ause this "an "hange the meaning o' the senten"e. !ast -ontinuous emphasi,es interrupted a"tions% )hereas !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous emphasi,es a duration o' time $e'ore something in the past. tudy the examples $elo) to understand the di''eren"e. Examples:

*e )as tired $e"ause he 'as e9ercising so hard.

THIS SENTENCE EMPHASI%ES THAT HE WAS TIRED "ECAUSE HE WAS E!ERCISING AT THAT E!ACT MOMENT.

*e )as tired $e"ause he "ad ,een e9ercising so hard.

THIS SENTENCE EMPHASI%ES THAT HE WAS TIRED "ECAUSE HE HAD "EEN E!ERCISING O ER A PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS POSSI"LE THAT HE WAS STILL E!ERCISING AT THAT MOMENT OR THAT HE HAD &UST FINISHED.

REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s 8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using !ast !er'e"t -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use !ast !er'e"t. Examples: #he motor"y"le "ad ,een ,elonging to Jeorge 'or years $e'ore #ina $ought it. Not Correct #he motor"y"le "ad ,elonged to Jeorge 'or years $e'ore #ina $ought it. Correct

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Simple F#t#re
imple @uture has t)o di''erent 'orms in English: ?)ill? and ?$e going to.? .lthough the t)o 'orms "an sometimes $e used inter"hangea$ly% they o'ten express t)o &ery di''erent meanings. #hese di''erent meanings might seem too a$stra"t at 'irst% $ut )ith time and pra"ti"e% the di''eren"es )ill $e"ome "lear. Both ?)ill? and ?$e going to? re'er to a spe"i'i" time in the 'uture.

FORM 3ill
[)ill + &er$] Examples: You 'ill "elp him later. 3ill you "elp him later? You 'ill not "elp him later.

FORM 7e Going 2o
[am/is/are + going to + &er$] Examples: You are going to meet >ane tonight. Are you going to meet >ane tonight? You are not going to meet >ane tonight.

USE 1 63ill6 to E9press a +ol#ntary Action

?/ill? o'ten suggests that a spea+er )ill do something &oluntarily. . &oluntary a"tion is one the spea+er o''ers to do 'or someone else. F'ten% )e use ?)ill? to respond to someone else3s "omplaint or reAuest 'or help. /e also use ?)ill? )hen )e reAuest that someone help us or &olunteer to do something 'or us. imilarly% )e use ?)ill not? or ?)on3t? )hen )e re'use to &oluntarily do something. Examples:

( 'ill send you the in'ormation )hen ( get it. ( 'ill translate the email% so 1r. mith "an read it. 3ill you make dinner? ( 'ill not do your home)or+ 'or you. .: (3m really hungry. B: (.ll make some sand)i"hes. .: #he phone is ringing. B: (.ll get it.

USE 2 63ill6 to E9press a Promise

?/ill? is usually used in promises.

Examples: ( 'ill call you )hen ( arri&e. ( promise ( 'ill not tell him a$out the surprise party. 7on3t )orry% (.ll ,e "are'ul.

USE ! 67e going to6 to E9press a Plan

?Be going to? expresses that something is a plan. (t expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the 'uture. (t does not matter )hether the plan is realisti" or not. Examples:

*e is going to spend his &a"ation in *a)aii. .: /hen are )e going to meet ea"h other tonight? B: /e are going to meet at 0 !1. (.m going to ,e an a"tor )hen ( gro) up. 1i"helle is going to ,egin medi"al s"hool next year. .: /ho is going to make >ohn3s $irthday "a+e? B: ue is going to make >ohn3s $irthday "a+e.

USE & 63ill6 or 67e Going to6 to E9press a Prediction

Both ?)ill? and ?$e going to? "an express the idea o' a general predi"tion a$out the 'uture. !redi"tions are guesses a$out )hat might happen in the 'uture. (n ?predi"tion? senten"es% the su$Ee"t usually has little "ontrol o&er the 'uture and there'ore U E :5< do not apply. (n the 'ollo)ing examples% there is no di''eren"e in meaning. Examples: #he year ;;;; 'ill ,e a &ery interesting year. #he year ;;;; is going to ,e a &ery interesting year. >ohn mith 'ill ,e the next !resident. >ohn mith is going to ,e the next !resident.

1MPOR2A%2
(n the imple @uture% it is not al)ays "lear )hi"h U E the spea+er has in mind. F'ten% there is more than one )ay to interpret a senten"e3s meaning.

%o F#t#re in 2ime *la#ses

8i+e all 'uture 'orms% the imple @uture "annot $e used in "lauses $eginning )ith time expressions su"h as: )hen% )hile% $e'ore% a'ter% $y the time% as soon as% i'% unless% et". (nstead o' imple @uture% imple !resent is used.

Examples: /hen you 'ill arri$e tonight% )e )ill go out 'or dinner. Not Correct /hen you arri$e tonight% )e )ill go out 'or dinner. Correct

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F#t#re *ontin#o#s
@uture -ontinuous has t)o di''erent 'orms: ?)ill $e doing ? and ?$e going to $e doing.? Unli+e imple @uture 'orms% @uture -ontinuous 'orms are usually inter"hangea$le.

FORM F#t#re *ontin#o#s 'it" 63ill6

[)ill $e + present parti"iple] Examples: You 'ill ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight. 3ill you ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight? You 'ill not ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight.

FORM F#t#re *ontin#o#s 'it" 67e Going 2o 6

[am/is/are + going to $e + present parti"iple] Examples: You are going to ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight. Are you going to ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight? You are not going to ,e 'aiting 'or her )hen her plane arri&es tonight.

RE1E1BER: (t is possi$le to use either ?)ill? or ?$e going to? to "reate the @uture -ontinuous )ith little di''eren"e in meaning.

USE 1 1nterr#pted Action in t"e F#t#re

Use the @uture -ontinuous to indi"ate that a longer a"tion in the 'uture )ill $e interrupted $y a shorter a"tion in the 'uture. Remem$er this "an $e a real interruption or Eust an interruption in time. Examples:

( 'ill ,e 'atc"ing #V )hen she arr'(e) tonight. ( 'ill ,e 'aiting 'or you )hen your $us arr'(e). *e 'ill ,e st#dying at the li$rary tonight% so he )ill not see >enni'er )hen she arr'(e).

4oti"e in the examples a$o&e that the interruptions Cmar*e+ ', '-a.'/)D are in imple !resent rather than imple @uture. #his is $e"ause the interruptions are in time "lauses% and you "annot use 'uture tenses in time "lauses.

USE 2 Specific 2ime as an 1nterr#ption in t"e F#t#re

(n U E :% des"ri$ed a$o&e% the @uture -ontinuous is interrupted $y a short a"tion in the 'uture. (n addition to using short a"tions as interruptions% you "an also use a spe"i'i" time as an interruption. Examples:

#onight at 0 !1% ( am going to ,e eating dinner.

I WILL "E IN THE PROCESS OF EATING DINNER.

.t midnight tonight% )e 'ill still ,e dri$ing through the desert.

WE WILL "E IN THE PROCESS OF DRI
ING THROUGH THE DESERT.

REMEM7ER
(n the imple @uture% a spe"i'i" time is used to sho) the time an a"tion )ill $egin or end. (n the @uture -ontinuous% a spe"i'i" time interrupts the a"tion. Examples:

#onight at 0 !1% ( am going to eat dinner.

I AM GOING TO START EATING AT 6 PM.

#onight at 0 !1% ( am going to ,e eating dinner.

I AM GOING TO START EARLIER AND I WILL "E IN THE PROCESS OF EATING DINNER AT 6 PM.

USE ! Parallel Actions in t"e F#t#re

/hen you use the @uture -ontinuous )ith t)o a"tions in the same senten"e% it expresses the idea that $oth a"tions )ill $e happening at the same time. #he a"tions are parallel. Examples:

( am going to ,e st#dying and he is going to ,e making dinner. #onight% they 'ill ,e eating dinner% disc#ssing their plans% and "a$ing a good time. /hile Ellen ') rea+',0% #im 'ill ,e 'atc"ing tele&ision.
NOTICE 1IS READING1 "ECAUSE OF THE TIME CLAUSE CONTAINING 1WHILE.1 2SEE E!PLANATION "ELOW3

USE & Atmosp"ere in t"e F#t#re

(n English% )e o'ten use a series o' !arallel ."tions to des"ri$e atmosphere at a spe"i'i" point in the 'uture. Example:

/hen ( arri&e at the party% e&ery$ody is going to ,e cele,rating. ome 'ill ,e dancing. Fthers are going to ,e talking. . 'e) people 'ill ,e eating pi,,a% and se&eral people are going to ,e drinking $eer. #hey al)ays do the same thing.

REMEM7ER %o F#t#re in 2ime *la#ses

8i+e all 'uture tenses% the @uture -ontinuous "annot $e used in "lauses $eginning )ith time expressions su"h as: )hen% )hile% $e'ore% a'ter% $y the time% as soon as% i'% unless% et". (nstead o' @uture -ontinuous% !resent -ontinuous is used. Examples: /hile ( am going to ,e finis"ing my home)or+% she is going to ma+e dinner. Not Correct /hile ( am finis"ing my home)or+% she is going to ma+e dinner. Correct

A%D REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s 8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using @uture -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use imple @uture. Examples: >ane 'ill ,e ,eing at my house )hen you arri&e. Not Correct >ane 'ill ,e at my house )hen you arri&e. Correct

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F#t#re Perfect

@uture !er'e"t has t)o di''erent 'orms: ?)ill ha&e done? and ?$e going to ha&e done.? Unli+e imple @uture 'orms% @uture !er'e"t 'orms are usually inter"hangea$le.

FORM F#t#re Perfect 'it" 63ill6

[)ill ha&e + past parti"iple] Examples: You 'ill "a$e perfected your English $y the time you "ome $a"+ 'rom the U. . 3ill you "a$e perfected your English $y the time you "ome $a"+ 'rom the U. .? You 'ill not "a$e perfected your English $y the time you "ome $a"+ 'rom the U. .

FORM F#t#re Perfect 'it" 67e Going 2o6

[am/is/are + going to ha&e + past parti"iple] Examples:

You are going to "a$e perfected your English $y the time you "ome $a"+ 'rom the U. .

4F#E: (t is possi$le to use either ?)ill? or ?$e going to? to "reate the @uture !er'e"t )ith little or no di''eren"e in meaning.

USE 1 *ompleted Action 7efore Somet"ing in t"e F#t#re

#he @uture !er'e"t expresses the idea that something )ill o""ur $e'ore another a"tion in the 'uture. (t "an also sho) that something )ill happen $e'ore a spe"i'i" time in the 'uture. Examples: By next 4o&em$er% ( 'ill "a$e recei$ed my promotion. By the time he 0e-) home% she is going to "a$e cleaned the entire house. ( am not going to "a$e finis"ed this test $y < o3"lo"+. *o) many "ountries are you going to "a$e $isited $y the time you -4r, GI?

4oti"e in the examples a$o&e that the re'eren"e points Cmar*e+ ', '-a.'/)D are in imple !resent rather than imple @uture. #his is $e"ause the interruptions are in time "lauses% and you "annot use 'uture tenses in time "lauses.

USE 2 D#ration 7efore Somet"ing in t"e F#t#re (%on)*ontin#o#s +er,s-

/ith 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and some non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% )e use the @uture !er'e"t to sho) that something )ill "ontinue up until another a"tion in the 'uture. Examples: ( 'ill "a$e ,een in 8ondon 'or six months $y the time ( lea&e. By 1onday% usan is going to "a$e "ad my $oo+ 'or a )ee+.

.lthough the a$o&e use o' @uture !er'e"t is normally limited to 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s and non5"ontinuous uses o' 1ixed Ver$s% the )ords ?li&e%? ?)or+%? ?tea"h%? and ?study? are sometimes used in this )ay e&en though they are 4F# 4on5 -ontinuous Ver$s.

REMEM7ER %o F#t#re in 2ime *la#ses

8i+e all 'uture 'orms% the @uture !er'e"t "annot $e used in "lauses $eginning )ith time expressions su"h as: )hen% )hile% $e'ore% a'ter% $y the time% as soon as% i'% unless% et". (nstead o' @uture !er'e"t% !resent !er'e"t is used. Examples: ( am going to see a mo&ie )hen ( 'ill "a$e finis"ed my home)or+. Not Correct ( am going to see a mo&ie )hen ( "a$e finis"ed my home)or+. Correct

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F#t#re Perfect *ontin#o#s

@uture !er'e"t -ontinuous has t)o di''erent 'orms: ?)ill ha&e $een doing ? and ?$e going to ha&e $een doing.? Unli+e imple @uture 'orms% @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous 'orms are usually inter"hangea$le.

FORM F#t#re Perfect *ontin#o#s 'it" 63ill6

[)ill ha&e $een + present parti"iple] Examples:

You 'ill "a$e ,een 'aiting 'or more than t)o hours )hen her plane 'inally arri&es. 3ill you "a$e ,een 'aiting 'or more than t)o hours )hen her plane 'inally arri&es? You 'ill not "a$e ,een 'aiting 'or more than t)o hours )hen her plane 'inally arri&es.

FORM F#t#re Perfect *ontin#o#s 'it" 67e Going 2o6

[am/is/are + going to ha&e $een + present parti"iple] Examples:

You are going to "a$e ,een 'aiting 'or more than t)o hours )hen her plane 'inally arri&es.

4F#E: (t is possi$le to use either ?)ill? or ?$e going to? to "reate the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous )ith little or no di''eren"e in meaning.

USE 1 D#ration 7efore Somet"ing in t"e F#t#re

/e use the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous to sho) that something )ill "ontinue up until a parti"ular e&ent or time in the 'uture. ?@or 'i&e minutes%? ?'or t)o )ee+s%? and ?sin"e @riday? are all durations )hi"h "an $e used )ith the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous. 4oti"e that this is related to the !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous and the !ast !er'e"t -ontinuousB ho)e&er% )ith @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous% the duration stops at or $e'ore a re'eren"e point in the 'uture. Examples: #hey 'ill "a$e ,een talking 'or o&er an hour $y the time #homas arr'(e). he is going to "a$e ,een 'orking at that "ompany 'or three years )hen it 'inally /.o)e). *o) long 'ill you "a$e ,een st#dying )hen you 0ra+4a-e? /e are going to "a$e ,een dri$ing 'or o&er three days straight )hen )e 0eto .n"horage.

4oti"e in the examples a$o&e that the re'eren"e points Cmar*e+ ', '-a.'/)D are in imple !resent rather than imple @uture. #his is $e"ause these 'uture e&ents are in time "lauses% and you "annot use 'uture tenses in time "lauses.

USE 2 *a#se of Somet"ing in t"e F#t#re

Using the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous $e'ore another a"tion in the 'uture is a good )ay to sho) "ause and e''e"t. Examples: >ason )ill $e tired )hen he gets home $e"ause he 'ill "a$e ,een >ogging 'or o&er an hour. -laudia3s English )ill $e per'e"t )hen she returns to Jermany $e"ause she is going to "a$e ,een st#dying English in the United tates 'or o&er t)o years.

F#t#re *ontin#o#s $s: F#t#re Perfect *ontin#o#s

(' you do not in"lude a duration su"h as ?'or 'i&e minutes%? ?'or t)o )ee+s? or ?sin"e @riday%? many English spea+ers "hoose to use the @uture -ontinuous rather than the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous. Be "are'ul $e"ause this "an "hange the meaning o' the senten"e. @uture -ontinuous emphasi,es interrupted a"tions% )hereas @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous emphasi,es a duration o' time $e'ore something in the 'uture. tudy the examples $elo) to understand the di''eren"e. Examples:

*e )ill $e tired $e"ause he 'ill ,e e9ercising so hard.

THIS SENTENCE EMPHASI%ES THAT HE WILL "E TIRED "ECAUSE HE WILL "E E!ERCISING AT THAT E!ACT MOMENT IN THE FUTURE.

*e )ill $e tired $e"ause he 'ill "a$e ,een e9ercising so hard.

THIS SENTENCE EMPHASI%ES THAT HE WILL "E TIRED "ECAUSE HE WILL HA E "EEN E!ERCISING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS POSSI"LE THAT HE WILL STILL "E E!ERCISING AT THAT MOMENT OR THAT HE WILL &UST HA E FINISHED.

REMEM7ER %o F#t#re in 2ime *la#ses

8i+e all 'uture 'orms% the @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous "annot $e used in "lauses $eginning )ith time expressions su"h as: )hen% )hile% $e'ore% a'ter% $y the time% as soon as% i'% unless% et". (nstead o' @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous% !resent !er'e"t -ontinuous is used. Examples: You )on3t get a promotion until you 'ill "a$e ,een 'orking here as long as #im. Not Correct You )on3t get a promotion until you "a$e ,een 'orking here as long as #im. Correct

A%D REMEM7ER %on)*ontin#o#s +er,s 8 Mi9ed +er,s

(t is important to remem$er that 4on5-ontinuous Ver$s "annot $e used in any "ontinuous tenses. .lso% "ertain non5"ontinuous meanings 'or 1ixed Ver$s "annot $e used in "ontinuous tenses. (nstead o' using @uture !er'e"t -ontinuous )ith these &er$s% you must use @uture !er'e"t . Examples: 4ed 'ill "a$e ,een "a$ing his dri&er3s li"ense 'or o&er t)o years. Not Correct 4ed 'ill "a$e "ad his dri&er3s li"ense 'or o&er t)o years. Correct