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Present Continuous (l am doing)
Studl' this example situation:
Ann is ir-r her car. She is on her way to rt,ork.She is driving to rvork.
This means: she is driving noq at the time ofspeaking. The action is not finished.
Am/is/are -ing is the present continuous:
I am doing something = I'm in the middle of doing something; I've started doing it and Ihaven't finished yet. Often the action is happening at the time of speaking:
s Please don't make so much noise. I'm working. (not I work)€ "'Where's Lauren?" "She's tiking a bath." (zor She takes a bath)s Let's go out now. It isn't raining anymore. (notIt doesn't rain)s (at a party) Hello, Lisa. Are you enioying the party? (not Do you enjoy)€ I'm tired. I'm going to bed now. Good night!
But the action is not necessarily happening at the time of speaking. For example:
Tom and Ann are talking. Tom says:
Tom is not reading the book at the time of speakrng.He means that he has started it but has not finished it yet.He is in the middle of reading it.
ie*1iffi-*S f :ir,:.:i.nt;ri *rg!i::i1;:':i'r, ilir :.i:*;3:i.tl.'g$-,E.*i,g4!;ic.i#tr.ii
Here are some more examples:s Maria wants to work in Italn so she is studying ltalian. (but perhaps she isn't studying
Italian exactly at the time of speaking)s Some friends of mine are building their own house.
'We use the present continuous when we talk about things happening in a period around now(for example, today / this week / tonight, etc.):
3F "You're working hard today." "Yes, I have a lot to do." (not You work hard today)s "Is Sarah working this week?" "No, shet on vacation."
We use the present continuous when we talk about changes happening now or around now:s The population of the world is rising very fast. (zof rises)s Is your English getting better? (notDoes your English get berter?)
2chtEr''i::
It
Present Continuous and Simple Pres€nt Units 3-4 Present Continuous with a Futur€ Meaning Unit 18A
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Exerciqes1.1 Complete the sentences using one of the following verbs in the correct form.
come get happen look make start stay try rr,oFk"You 're working ,- hard today." "Yes, I have a lot to do."I - __ ___ ,_____ for Chrisrine. Do you know where she is?It dark. Should I turn on the lieht?
U ITN
/
1.2.-J.
4. They don't h;;. ;;t*d;;t;;with friends until thev find a
l ive at the momenr. Thevplace.
"Ann! Let's go!" 'OK, IDo you have an umbrella? It to rain.You a lot of noise. Could you please be quieter?
to concentrate.8. IThy are all these people here?'What
1.2 Use the words in parentheses to complete the questions.l. " /s Brad working this week?" "No, he's on vacation.', (Brad / work)2. Why at me like that? Vhat's the matter? (vou / look)3. "Jenny is a4.
student at the universiw." "Is she? 'What
5.6.7
4.5.6.
?" (she / srudy)to the radio, or can I turn it off? (anybody / listen)
5. How is your English? better? (it / get)
1.3 Put the verb into the correct form. Sometimes you need the negative (l'm notdoing, etc.).1. I'm tired. I (go) to bed now. Good night!2. We can go out now. lt isn't rainina (rain) anymore.3. Laura phoned me last night. She's on vacation in France. She
a great cime and doesn't want to come back.(eat) lunch.I want to Iose weight, so this week I
Angela has iust started evening classes. She
(have)
(study) German.I think Dave and Amy had an argument. Theyeach other.
(speak) to
between Brian and Sarah. Put the verbs into the correct form.seen you in ages. What (1) are vou doina (you / do)
(train) to be a police officer.
1.4 Read this conversation
Sarah: Brian! I haven'r
Brian:Sarah:Brian:Sarah:
| (2)these days?
ly?'S7hat's it l ike? (3)ll right. How about you?, actually l (4)
(you / enioy) it?
(not / work) right now.(try) to find a iob, but it's not easy. Bur I'm prerfy busy.(paint) rny apartment.(you / do) it alone?
RealIt's a'Well
I (5)r (5)
Brian: ' (7)Sarah: No, some friends of mine (8) (help)me.
1.5 Complete the sentences using one of these verbs: change fall get increaseYou don't have to use all the verbs, and you can use a verb more than once.1. Th9 population of the world is rising very fast.2. Robert is stil l sick. but he better slowly.3. The rvorld _ . Things never sray the same.
1 llr. cosr of li ' ing ----- . Every vear things are more expensive.5. The economic si tuar ion is alread'ver ' bad, and ir worse.
+rsie
3
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Simple Present (l do)
Study this example situation:
Alex is a bus dr iver br.r t now he is in bed asleep. So:He is not dr iv ing a bus. 1He is asleep.)htr t He dr ives a bus. {He is a bus dr iver. ,)drive(s)/work(s)/do(es), erc., is the simple present.
'We use the simple present to talk about things in general.'We use it to say that somethinghappens all the time or repeatedly or that somethtg is true in general. It is not importantwhether rhe action is happening at rhe time of rp."kir,g,
s Nurses take care of patients in hospitals.s I usually leave for work at 8:00 e.l,r.* The earth goes around the sun.
Remember that we say he/she/ir -s. Don'r forget the s:* Iwork. . . but Heworks. . . Theyteach.. . but Mysisterteaches.. .
For spelling (-s or -es), see Appendix 5.
We use do/does to make questions and negative sentences:
s I come from Canada.'lfhere do you come from?* "Would you like a cigarette?" "No, thanks. I don,t smoke."s 'Sfhat does this word mean? (not 'What means this word?)s Rice doesn't grow in cold climates.
In the following examples do is also the main verb:* l 'Ifhat do you do?" (='!fhat's your job?) "I work in a department store."€ He's so lazy.He doesnt do anything ro help me. (not He ioesn't anything)
'V7e use_the simple present when we say how often we do things:s I get up at 8:00 every morning. (not I,m getting)e How often do yo,u go to the dentist? lnot How ofren are you going?)* Julie doesnt drink coffee very ofren.* In the summer John usually plays tennis once or twice a week.
Note the position of always/never/usually, etc. (before the main verb):s Sue always looks happy. (zor Sue looks always)s I never drink coffee at night.s '$Thattime
do you usually get home after rvork?For rvord order, see also Unir 107.
Present Continuous and Simple Present units 3-4 Simple present with a Future Meaning unit 188
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Exercises u2.1 Complete the sentences using one of the following:
cause(s) close(s) connect(s) drink(s) live(s) open(s) sp€ak{s} take(s)1. Ann speaks _). I never coffee.3. The swimming pool , . ___ at 9:00 and __** *_----
at 6:30 evert' day.Bad dr iv ing
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2l t
2.2 Put the verb into the correct form.1. Jasondoesn f drink2. 'What time3. I have a car. but I4. "S7hat5. I t
believe eat flow g+ g*€rxr1. The earth goes around
sun.
manv accloenrs.in a very small apartment.
- - place every four years.the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
(not / drink) coffee very often.(the banks / close)?
(not I use) it very ofren.(you / do)?" "I'm an electrical engineer."
4.(
6.7.
My parentsThe Olympic GamesThe Panama CanaF'
- (take) me an hour to get to work. How long(ir / take) you?
5. 1 (play) the piano, but I(not / play) very well.
7. I dont understand this sentence. vhat (this word / mean)?
2.3 Use one of the following verbs to complete these sehtences. Sometimes you need thenegative.
make risethe /.
tell translateAn interpreterlanguage to another.
8. A liar is someone whothe truth.
9. The Amazon Riverthe Atlantic Ocean.
from one
2.3.4.5.6.
Rice doesn't at-ow in Canada.The sunBees honey. intoVegetariansAn atheist in God.
meat.
2.4 Ask Liz questions about herself and her family.1. You know that Liz plays tennis. You wanr to know how often. Ask her.
How often do vou p/aulennrs2. Perhaps fi,
your sister3. You know thatLiz reads a newspaper."iiy J"y. V" r.
4. You know that Liz's brother works. You want to know what he does. Ask Liz.
5. You know thatLiz goes to the movies a lot. You want to know how often. Ask her.
5. You don't know where Liz's mother lives. Ask Liz.
7' You know that Liz works every da6 but you want to know what time she starts work.Ask her.
5
Present Continuous and(l am doing and I do)
Simple Present (1)
Present continuous (I am-doing)We use the present coutinttotts iorsomething that is happenine ar or aroundthe t ime of speaking. The acr ion is notf in ished.
I am doing
Simple present lI do)We use the simple present for things ingeneral or things that happen repeatedl,v
past
The water is boiling. Could you turn iroff?Listen to those people. What languageare they speaking?Let's go out. It isn't raining now.A: Don't disturb me. I'm busy.B: '!fhy? Vhat are you doing?I'm going to bed now. Good night.Maria is in Vancouver now. She'slearning English.
Use the present continuous for temporarysituations:s I'm living with some friends until I find
an apartment.s "You're working hard today." "Yes, I 've
got a lot to do."
See Unit 1 for more information.
future'W'ater boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Excuse me, do you speak English?
It doesn't rain very much in the summer.'S7hat do you usually do on weekends?'V/hat do you do? (='What's your job?)I always go to bed before midnight.Most people learn to swim when theyare children.
Use the simple present for permanenrsltuatrons:s My parents live in Boston. They have
lived there all their lives.s John isn't lazy. He works very hard
most of the time.
See Unit 2 for more informarion.
now future
*s
*s
*
€F
*K
s
I always do and I'm always doingUsually we say "I always do something" (= I do it every time):
* I always go to work by car (notl'm always going)You can also say "I'm always doing something," but this has a different meaning.For example:
Ilve lost m11key again
"I'm always losing things" does not mean that I lose thingsevery time. It means that I lose things too cften or moreoften than normal.You're always -ing means that you do something very often,more often than the speaker thinks is normal or reasonable.
i ' ! ] r ! l? | : : :1t- j i :L. ' , : : - j . : :1t- ] i t ] : l i . . . . t |1: j
s Yru're always watching TV. you should do something more acrir.e.s John is never satisfied. He's always complaining.
Present continuous and Simple Present (2) unit 4 Present renses with a Future Meaning Unit 18
$?$&&<rri?fi:i.
Exercises3.1 Are the underlined verbs right or wrong? Correct the verbs that are wrong.
R/GHTis boi/ina
Hurry up! Everybodyaa.
(wait) for you.
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L. 'Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.2. The water boils. Could fou turn it off?3. Look! That man ffies ro open the door of your car.4. Can you hear those people? \fhat do they talk about?5. The moon goes around the earth.6. I have to go now. It gets late.7. I usually p to work by car.8. *Hurry up! It's time to leave." *OK, I Ee!qg."9. I hear.you've got a new job. How does it p?
3-2 Put the verb in the correct form, present continuous or simple present.
f . Lefs go our. It isn'f raining (not / rain) now.2. Julia is very good at languages. she speaks (speak) four languages
very well.3.4.5.
6.7.8.
9.10.
11.12.
(you / listen) to the radio?" "No, you can turn it off.,,(you i listen) to the radib every day?', ..No,
iust
Matt is in SanHotel. HeCan we stop walking soon? I"Do you know how to drive?" "l
13. Usually I
Francisco right now. He
occasionally."The Nile RiverThe river'We usuallywe"How is your English?" "Not bad. It
(flow) into the Mediterranean.(flow) very fast today - much faster than usual.
(grow) vegetables in our garden, but this year(not / grow) any.
(improve) slowly."(stay) at the Pelton
(always / stay) there when heb iri San Francisco.(start) to feel tired.
(learn). My father(teach) me."
(fi(work) unti
My parentshave neverErica
lived anywhere else. Where (your parents / live)?(look) for a place to live. She
(stay) with her sister until she1.5. "'Sfhat
finds a place.(your father I dal?" "He's an archirect. but he
(not / work) at the moment."The train is never late. It (always / leave) on time.Jim is very messy. He (always / leave) his things all over rheplacd.
3.3 Finish Bt sentences. Use always -ing (see Section B).1. .A.. I'm afraid I've losr my key again.
_ 4, N-", again! .Yoq re q/ways /osing your key.2. A: The car has broken down again.
B: That car is a pain. ItA: Look! You made the same
-ist"ke aga;.
.--.-..-_-'-'-__---.-
B: Oh no, not again! I ___________ ______A: Oh, I forgot mv books again.
nish) work ar 5:00, but this week II 5:00 to earn some extra money.(live) in Chicago. They were born there and1,4.
15.
17.18.
3.
4.B: That's rypical! You
Present Continuous and Simple Present (2)(l am doing and I do)
'We can use continuous tenses only for actions and happenings (they are eating / it is raining,etc.). Some verbs (for example, know and like) are not action verbs. You cannot say "l amknowing" or "they are liking"; )'ou can onh'sav I knorv, they like.
The following verbs are not normally used in conrinuous renses:
neg{..,,p1efeq
*xs
When
-but **
\(/hen€
but 8
I'm hungry. I want something to eat. lnot I'm wanting)Do you understand what I mean?Kim doesn't seem very h"ppy right now.
think meanS "believer" do not use the continuous:'What do you think (= believe) will happen? (not 'What are you thinking)You look serious. What are you thinking about? (= SThat is going on in your mind?)I'm thinking of quitting my fob. (- I am considering)
have means "possessr' etc., do not use the continuous (see Unit 15):'We're enjoying our trip.'We have a nice room in the horel. (not\le're having)'We're enjoying our trip.'lVe're having a great time.
See hear smell taste'W'e normally use the simple present (zot continuous) wirh these verbs:
€ Do you see that man over there? (not Are you seeing)s This room smells. Let's open a window.
'S7e often use can + see/hear/smell/taste:* Listen! Can you hear something?
Note that you can say I'm seeing when the meaning isthe future - see Unit 18A):
* I'm seeing the manager tomorrow morning.
"having a meeting with" (especiallytn
He is selfish and He is being selfishHe's being = FIe's behaving / He's acting. Compare:
* I can't understand why he's being so selfish. He isn't usually like that.(being selfish - behaving selfishly ar the moment)
but e He never thinks about other people. He is very selfish. (not He is being)
- .(= he is selfish generally, not only at the moment)'We use am/is/are being to say how somebody is behaving. It is not usually possible in other
* It's hot today. (notk is being hot)* Sarah is very tired. (not is being tired)
Look and feel
You can use simple present or continuous to say how somebody looks or feels now:= You look good today. or You're looking good todav.+ Hou'do you feel nou'? or How are you feeling now?
bti ' I usuallv feel tired in the morning. (not I'm usuall.v feeling)
Present Continuous and Simple Present (1) Unit 3 Present Tenses with a Future Meaning Unit l8
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Exercises4-1 Are the underlined verbs right or wrong? correct the ones that are wrong.
R/GHT
NI
4U
1. Ilm leeing the manager romorrow morning.2. I'm feeling hungry. Is there anything to eat?3. Are you believing in God?4. This sauce is grear. It's_Esling really good.5. I'm thinking this is your key. Am I right?
4'2 Look at the pictures- Use the words in parentheses to make sentences. (you should alsostudy Unit 3 before you do this exercise.)
4-3 Put the verb into the correct form, present continuous or simple present.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
Are you hungry? Do vou wanfDon't put rhe dictionary away. IDon't put the dictionary away. I'S7ho is that man?'S7harlfho is that man?'Why
something to eat? (you / want)it. (use)it. (need)
? (he / want)at us? (he / look)
George says he's 80 years old, but nobodyShe told me her name, but I
him. (believe)it now. (not / remember)
buying it?of selling my car. (think) Would you be interested in
9. 1 you should sell your car. (think) youit very often. (not / use)
10. Air mainly of nitrogen and oxygen. (consist)
4-4 complete the sentences using the most appropriate form of be, simple present(am/is/are) or present continuous (amfis/a-re being).1. I can't understand whv he's beina so selfish. He isn't usually like that.2. lack very nrce to me tonight. I wonder why.3. You'll l ike Jill when you meet her. She very nice.4. You're usually very patient, so why so unreasonable abour' ' ,1'ait ing five more minutes?5. Whv isn' t Sarah at work todav?
@e(you / not / seem /very happy today)
You dont seemvery hopp)r foday.
(dinner / smell /
Be quiet! (I / think)
(who / this umbrellabelong to?)
I have no idea. Can I call you backin half an hour?(I /have/dinner)
-__ sick?
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Simple Past (t did)
Studv this example:
Wolfgang Amadeus .l\itrzarr \\'as an Ausrrian musician and composer. Helived from 7756 ro 7797.He started cor-nposing at the age of five and wrotemore than 600 pieces of music. He rvas onlv 35 years old when he died.
Lived/started/wrote/was/died are all s imp I e p a s t.
Very often the simple past ends in -ed (regular verbs):g I work in a travel agency now Before that I worked in a department store.s 'We invited thegn to our party, but they decided not to come.G The police stopped me for speeding.s She passed her exam because she studied very hard.
For spelling (stopped, studied, etc.), see Appendix 5.
But many verbs are irregular. This means that the simple past does not end in -ed.For example:
write -+ wrote s Mozart wrote more than 600 pieces of music.see -+ saw s 'We saw Rosa in town a fer.l days ago.go -) went s I went to the movies three times last week.cost -) cost s This house cost $89,000 in 7996.
For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.
In questions and negatives we use did/didn't + base form (enioylsee/go, etc.):; i
,you enfoy{did she see?
they go?they went
s A: Did you go out last night?B.' Yes, I went to the movies, but I didnt enioy the film much.
s "'When did Mr. Thomas die?" "About ten years ago."s They didn't invite her to the party, so she didn't go.* "Did you have time to write the letter?" "No, I didn't."
Be careful when do is the main verb in the sentence.* I didn't do anything- (notI didn't anything)
The past of be (am/is/are) is was/were:
yn}ilEiil{*i1iifi;hl",t .,,nras l&/,#"Sifi= -we/you/they weidweren't weie wel-y6d/th9j+,
Note that we do not use did in negatives and questions with was/were:s I was angry because they were late.s Was the weather good when you were on vacation?= They weren't able to come because they were so busy.:i.. Did vou go out last night, or were you too tired?
Simple Past and Past Continuous Unit 6 Present Perfect and Simple Past Units 12-13
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Exercises
'cj$;+-.tiii*tl miRLr attt:00. I always sleep well.
Yesterday was a typical working day for Debbie. write what she did or didn,t do yesterday.l- .She gor up ar 7:00. 7. at 5:00.
NF
JU
Read what
AG..N
IIISI
-{-c.,.qs,DEBBIE
5.1
2. She3. She4. It5.6.
5-2 complete the sentences using the following verbs in the correct form:boy catch. cost drink fall hua sell spend teach throwMozart wrote more than 500 pieces of music."How did you learn to drive?" ,.My mother
5.3
-
a big breakfast. 8. _tired when home.9. dinner.
to get to work. 10. out last night.at 8:45. 11. at 11:00.
lunch. 12. well last night.
it.
1.2.3.4.5.
win +r,ritc
me.t tWe couldn't afford to keep our car, so weI was very thirsty. I
_rhewaterveryquickly.Sam and I played tennis y.rt.td"y. H., *o.h b"*.. rt "i
i ;,;;;easily.
6. Dave down the stairs this morning andhis leg.Jim the ball to Sue, whoJessica a lot of money yesterday. Shea dress that $200.
A friend has iust come back from vacation. Ask him about it. write your questions.1. (where l go?) _2. (go alone?)
7.8. 1t.
3.4.5.6.7.
(food / good?)(stay/atahotel?)(rent / a car?)(the weather / nice?)(what / do in the evenings?)
5.4 clmllgtq the sentences. Put the verb.into the correct form, positive or negative.1. It was warm, sol took . off my coat. (take) .?. Ih. movie wasnt very good. I didn r eryov it very much. (eniov)J. I knew Sarah was very busS so I
- her. (bother'---'-J '
1.Ly":veryt ired,sol @k"j5. The bed was u.iy,rn. vu L.r
very well. (sleep)5. We went to Kate's house, but she --
=----
7. It.wasa forrry rit,r"tion, but n9b9dy #i)3 I|| fl*:y:f
open, and a bird : inro the room. (fly),;. ,r:_.^::_,e-r ylasn't very expensive. It _=_ very much. (cost)ru. I was tn a hurry, so I _-- rime ro call y-.ou. liave)11. It was hard work carrying rhe bags. Ther. r.erv heavr.. (bei
Debbie says about a typical working day:
11
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Past Continuous (l was doing)
Study this example situation:
Yesterday Karen and Jim plaved rennis. Thev began at10:00 and f in ished ar 11:30.So at 10:30 they were playing tennis.
They were playing = they were in the middle of playing.They had not finished playing.
I7e use the past continuous to say that somebody was in the middle of doing something at acertain time. The action or situation had already started before this time but had not finished:
I started doing I finished doing
pdst
x This time last year I was living in Brazil.* 'V7hat were you doing at 10:00 last night?s I waved at her, but she wasnt looking.
Compare the past continuous (I was doing) and simple pasr (I did):
Past continuous (in the middle of an action)G I was walking home when I met Dave.
(= in the middle of walking home)g Nicole was watching TV when the
phone rang.
Was/were -ing is the past continwous:
Simple pasf (complete action)* I walked home after the party last nighr.
(= all the way, completely)€ Nicole watched TV a lot when she was
sick last year.
'We often use the simple past and the past continuous together to say that somethinghappened in the middle of something .lset
* Matt burned his hand while he was cooking dinner.3 I saw you in the park yesterday. You were sitting on the grass and reading a book.e- While I was working in the garden,I hurt my back.
But we use the simple past to say that one rhing happened after another:!l I was walking downtown when I saw Dave. So I stopped and we talked for a while.
Compare:
t When Beth arrived, we were having I x \7hen Beth arrived, we had dinner. ;idinner (= We had already started dinner.) I (= Beth arrived and then we had dinner.) T
Wgsg,j::r:':...:Ja.:j]r,"]..ii:]':''.:]..::::.j]{*i..;.:i:-..::.].:iiji*ii,i?.:.]1:!::].::*?'!;!:-j-ri:iri:"!::ii:iji,$+.l
Some verbs (for example, knorv and rvant) are not normallv used in the continuous (see Unir 4A):s V/e n'ere good friends. $'e knerv each other well. (not We u'ere knou,ing)s I was enf oi'ing rhe partl '. but chris wanted to go home. (not was r,vanting)
Exercises6'1 what were you doing at the following times? write one sentence as in the examples.
The past continuous is not always necessary (see sentence 2).
!. \^t 8:00 last night)2. (at 5:00 last Monday) L w_ss-e;s_b-usan-tny*uoyJo__e1_qss,,_ _3. (at 10:15 yesterday morning) - __ __,.4. (at 7:45 lasr night)5. (half an hour ago) ______,
6'2 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences. Use the past continuous.1. Matt.burned his harrd while he was cooking dinner2. The doorbell rang while I3. 'We saw an accident while we4. Lauren fell asleep while she5. The television was on, but nobody
5.3 Put the verbs into the correct form, past continuous or simple past.
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6U
I saw _ (see) Suedowntown yesterday, butshe.-(not/see)me. She (look)the other way.
I - {meet)Tom
and Ann at the airport a fewweeks ago. They(go) to Boston and I
(go) toMontreal. !7e(talk)while we(wait) for our flights.
I _-*-=-=-- (ride) mybicycle yesterday whensuddenly a man ._-(step) out into the street infront of me. I =..-_--(go) fairly fast, but luckily I
stop in time and(not / hit) him.
6.4 Put the verbs into the correct form, past continuous or simple past.1'' Jane was waiting (wait) f9r.me when I arrived (arrive).2. "V7hat3. '--., (you / go) out last night?;;rto, r was too tired.,,4. How fast __
(happen)? %
5. John -----
(take) a picture of me while I(not / look).
g y.. were in a very difficult position. ve _ (nor / know) what to do.7 ' Ihaven,tseenDavidforagis.TheIast , (see)him,he
s r *-__--r*t;{i ,,L,*k,:,?.:yi:T""*nry r _(hear). footsteps behind me. Somebody _-=- _ (follow) me. I was-
scared, and I _ -__ (start) to run.9. ' i7hen I r""t uo,,ng, i- __ = _'. _* _-- - _ ____,- (want) to be a niiot.
13
Present Perfect (1) (l have done)
Studv this examolesrtuatlon:
Tom is lookine for his ker'. He can'r find it.He has lost hi i ker ' . r= He losr i r end he st i l l doesn' t have
Have/has lost is the present perfect (simple):
The present perfect is have/has + past participle. The past participle often ends in -ed(finished/decided, etc.), but many important verbs are irregular (lost/done/been/written, erc.).For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.
When we use the present perfect, there is a connection with now. The action in the past has aresult now:
s He told me his name, but I've forgotten it. (I can'r remember it now.)ffi "Is Kimberly here?" "No, she's gone out." (She is out now.)ffi I can't find my purse. Have you seen it? (Do you know where it is now?)
We often use the present perfect to give new information or to announce a recent happening:ffi The road is closed. There's been an accident.* (from the news)The police have arrested two men in connection with the robbery.
We also use the simple past (l played, I did, etc.) in these situations. So you can say:a He told me his name, but I've forgotten it. or . . . but I forgot it.gt Kimbedy isn't here. She's gone out. orr . . . She went out.
'We often use the present perfect with iust, already, and yet. You can also use the simple past:
Just = a short time ago:# "Are you hungry?" "No, f've iust had lunch." (or I iust had lunch.)
'We use already to say that something happened sooner than expected (see also Unit 107D):ffi "Don't forget to mail the letter." "I've already mailed it." (or I already mailed it.)
Yet = until now. It shows that the speaker is expecting somerhing to happen. Use yet onlyin questions and negative sentences (see also Unit 107C):
ry Has it stopped raining yet? (or Did it stop raining yet?)s I wrote the letter, but I haven't mailed it yet. (or . . . I didn't mail it yet.)
Do not use the present perfect when you talk about a finished time (for example, last night /two years ago / yesterday, etc.). Use the simple past (see also Unit 13):
ffi It snowed last night. (not has snowed)w Where were you at 3:00? (not-Where have you been)is I started my new job rwo weeks ago- (not have starred)it: Nicole didn't go our yesterday. (zof hasn't gone)
Present Perfect Units 8, 1'l Pr€sent Perfect Continuous Units 9-1OPresent Perfect and Simple Past Units 12-13
Exercises7.1 Read the situations and write sentences with the present perfect. Choose one of the
following: break drop go up grow improve -lcse turn on
Mike is looking for his key. He can't find i1. He has /ost his key.
Jennifer can't walk and her leg is in a cast. She *__ ___--_-_Maria's English wasnt very good. Now it is much better.Jason didn't have a beard last month. Now he has a beard.Last u'eek the bus fare was 80 cents. Now it is 90.The temperature was 55 degrees. Now it is only 36. The temperatureThe light was off. Now it is on. Somebody
7.2 Complete B's sentences. Use the verb in parentheses + just/already/yet.
A
No, thanks, l'u- eJ g s t7h a a! luncYes, I _
h. (iust / have)her. (fust / see)
He (already / leave)I don't know. I(not'/ read / yet)No, she the film.(already / see)Yes, they here. (just / get)
(not/ te l l /yet)I
NI
7U
B
L.2.
4.
5.
7.3 Read the situations and write sentences with the words in parentheses and iust,already, or yet.
1. After lunch you go to see a friend at her house. She says: "Iilould you like something toeat?' You say: "No, thank you, /'ve just' had /unch " (have lunch)
2. Joe goes out. Five minutes later, the phone rings and the caller says: "Can I speak toJoe?" You say: "I'm sorry, ." (go out)
3. You are eating in a restaurant. The waiter thinks you have finished and starts to take yourplate away. You say: "'Wait a minute! " (not / finish)
4. You are going to a restaurant this evening. You call to reserve a table. Later your friendsays: "Should I call to reserve a table?' You say: "No, i t ." (do)
5. You know that a friend of yours is looking for a job. Perhaps she has been successful.Ask her. You sav: " ?" (find)
6. Laura went to the bank, and she returned a few minutes ago. Somebody asks: "Is Laurastill at the bank?" You say: 'No, " (come back)
7.4 Are the u_nderlined parts of these sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that arewron9.
1. It has snowed last night.2. Have vou seen mv ourse?3. "Don't forget to pay the gas bill.' 'I've alread)'done it."4. The accident has happened three days ago.5. Sue hasn't been at work yesterday.6. Jerry gave me his address, but I've lost it.7. Have you seen Brad on Monday?8. Where is the newspaper?'What have you done u'ith ir?9.
'We have bought our house in 1985.
/t snowedR/GHT
' t5
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Present Perfect (2) (l have done)
Study this example conversation:
Daue: Have you traveled a lor, Jane?lane: Yes,I've been to lots of places.Daue: Really? Have you ever been to China?Jane: Yes,I've been to China twice.Daue: What about India?Jane: No,I havent been to India. past now A
'When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the Fpresent perfect (have been / have traveled, etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the &places Jane has visited in her life (which is a period rhat continues until now). ffiSome more examples: *
x Ffave you ever eaten caviar? (in your life) Px 'We've never had a car. fjs "Flave you read Hamlet?" "No, I havent read any of Shakespeare's plays." fls Susan really loves that movie. She's seen it eight times! SK 'S7hat a boring movie! It's the most boring movie I've ever seen. $
been (to) = visited: *s I've never been to China. Have you been there? $
qr]€lt'1e'jt'tY'::if:ri':r":':il:i:i.l"1-:Ld:::<fR:
Here are more examples of speakers talking about a period that continues until now(recently / in the last few days / so far / since breakfast, etc.):
€ Flave you heard from Brian recently?s I've met a lot of people in the last few days.* Fverything is going well.'We havent had
any problems so far.s I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since
breakfast. (= from breakfast until now)* It's nice to see you again. 'We haven't seen
each other for a long time.
'We use the present perfect with today / this morning / this evening, etc., when these periodsare not finished at the time of speaking:
= i'."i"$"iJ&'#:*:",t#:;:i,1" : todav .i,.,.i.,:is I havent seen Tom this morning. Have you? now
'We sa5 'It's the first time something has happened"(present perfect). For example:
* Don is taking a driving lesson. It's his first one.It's the first time he has driven a car. (not drives)
or He has never driven a car before.€ Sarah has lost her passport again. It's the second time
this has happened. (nor happens)s Eric is calling his girlfriend again. This is the third
time he's called her toniehr.
Jane's life{a period until'
rttto" Or""P;"sf$,l:
past
l
UnitsT,12, 1iPresent Perfect (1) Unit 7 Present Perfect with forlsince Unit 12 Present Perfect and Simple past
ExercisesYou are asking somebody questions about things he or she has done. Make questionsfrom the words in pareniheses.
N
IU
8.1
1.2.J.
4.5.5.
(ever /ride / horse?) Hav(ever/be/Mexico?)(ever / run / mararhon? )
a horse?
(most beautiful place / ever j vi;ir-?) \dt;
8'2 ,t;L?ft"
B s answers- Some sentences are positive and some negative. use a verb from
be be eat happen have meet play read see seeA
B
I have no idea.I don't know. I
/ve never mel her.
Yes, Iher recently.much today.
Yes, but for ages.Yes, it is the best vacarionin a long time.I don't know. it.I don't know. there.Again? Heevery day this week.Not again! That,s the second time
I don't know.this week.
before.
compfete these sentences using today / this year / thisserneste, etc.1. I saw.Tom yesterda5 b"tZ. I reed z npwcnrnpr rroor^- l^-- L--- r2. I read a newspape, y.rt"rd-g brrr I
today.3. LaJ. r,ast year the company made a profit, but4. Tracv urorlre. l ho' l . . .^L^^t t^ '^- ̂ -- l
the
I".y worked hard arschool last,"*.ri.r,-U*5. It snowed a lot last winter. but
He says: No, this is the first3. ly. is riding a horse. tn. Oo
You ask:She says:
4. Maria isYou ask:She sa1's:
a'4 Read the situations and write sentences as shown in the exampres.L. James is driving a car, but he's very. nervous and not sure what to do.Y_ou ask: Haize")tou driven a car before?
--
- He
"^yt,2. Pj" is playing tennis. H.t
"ot *ry god, .--
You ask: Have
(ever /speak / famous person?)(always I l ive /in this tbrvn?)
in Los Angeles. She has y.rr, "rrffi
1.2.J.
4.5.
5.7.8.
9.
10.
8.3
'r7
Present Perfect continuou s (t have been doing)
It has been raining. Studythis example situarion:
Is i t raining?No, but the grorrnd isIt has been raining.Have/has been -ing is the present perfect continuous:
We use the present perfect continuous for an activiry that has recently stopped or juststopped. There is a connection with now:H You're out of breath. Have you been running? (you're out of breath now.)nx Jason is very tired. He's been working. very tr""ti. (g.t iired now.)s \Vhy are your clorhes so dirry? Vhat-have yo" U"." aoingl* I've been talking to Amanda about the proLlem,
""a .lr.'"grees with me.
It is raining now. It began raining two hours ago.
l{9w long has it been raining?It has been raining for rwo hturs.Ifie o{t13 us9 f-e presenr perfect conrinuous in this wagespecially with how long, for, and since. The activity iJ'still happening or has juit stopped.
* How long have you bee,ns_tudying Engrish? (you,re still studying Engrish.)* Tim is still watching TV. He's Le* *itchine TV "il;;;.€ ]z.h9re have you been? I've been looking foiy"u i"rirrl'r"r, harf hour.s Christopher hasnt been feeling well reclntly./
- -- --- ---Y
You can use the present perfect continuous for actions that are repeated over a period of time:* Debbie is a vervgood tennis player. sh.t b*; p;;il;-rir." rt. *"; "Gt;.
---* Every morning they meet in the same c"f.. Thei oii&r, goirrg there for years.
It has been raining for two hours. Study this .""rrrpl" ,i**iof
Compare I am doing (see Unit 1) and I have been doing,
O,r;rl;#;##* Don'r bother *rK.[,m working.
s X7e need an umbrella. It,s rainins.s Hurr;- up! rWe're rvaiting.
nota€ I've been working hard, so now I'm
going to take a break.* The ground is wet. It,sF 'W'e've
been waitine forbeen raining.an hour.
-{I..iittli*g!ii*\',!.tr"!}l:"..1.:tq\l
I,,."jr.'tc-)
,i:i,iot, .,t i,.:;:.,:;r
Present Perfect simple and continuous units 1o-11 present perfe€t with forlsince units 11-12
-
'4
Exercises9.1 What have these people been doing or what has been happening?
3.
N
IU
"-F* .#ruThey hnro hoen-shnf{ing
9.2 Write a question for each situation.1. John looks sunburned. You ash (you / sit in the sun?) Hawr> vnu-heen sjrtin4 in fh,a <rtn22. You have just arrived to meet a friend who is waiting for yoir. You ask: lyoit lwait l
long?)3. You meet a friend on the street. His face and hands are very dirty. You ask: (what / you
i do?)4. A friend of yours is now living on Main Street. You want to know "How long . . . ?"
You ask: (how long I you / live / on Main Street?) _5.Afr iendtel lsyouabouther job_shesel lscomput ' ' ' l .
You ask: (how long /you / sell I computers?)
Read the situations and complete the sentences.i. The rain started rwo hours ago. It's still raining now.
2. 'We started waitingIt ha< h,',zn rr,ininn for two hours.!7e started waiting-for the bus 20 minutes aso.'We're sus 20 minutes ago.'We're still waiting now.'We
for 20 minutes.3. I started Spanish classes in December. I'm still studying Spanish now.
4. Jessica started working in Tokyo on Jasince December.
nuary 18th. She's still working there now.since January 18th.
rs ago you started writing to a pen pal. You still write to each other regularly.for years.
9.4 Put the verb into the present continuous (l am -ing) or present perfect continuous(l have been -ing).1. Maria haq A,opn .+r,,J);nq (study) English for two years.2. Hello, Tom.I3. ri7hy _ (you / look) at me like that? Stop it!4. I7e always go to Florida in the winter. 'We
_5. I - -* (think) about what you said, and I've decided to take your
advice.6. " Is Kim on vacat ion this week?" "No, she (rvorki ."7. sarah is'ery tired. She - (work) r'e^' hard recenrlr..
HeShe
9.3
5. Yea'We
19
-
Present Perfect continuous and present perfectgimple (t have been doing and I have aonil
Study these example situati,ons:
U"g" clothes are covered with painr.She has been painring the ceiling.Has been painting is the present perfectcontinuous.'We
are interested in the activity. It does notmatter whether something has been finishedgt lot: In this example, the activity(painting the ceiling) has not been finished.
Someverbs(forexample,knodIike/believe)arenot'o,ffiE I've known about it for a long time. (notl,ve b.e. k.rJ*irrgy
The ceiling was white. Now it is blue.She has painted the ceiling.Has painted is the present perfect simple.
Here, theimportant thing is that somethinghas been finished. Has painted is acompleted action. We are interested in theresult of the activity (the painted ceiline).not in the activiw itself.
Compare these examples:
s My hands are very dirry. I've been fixingthe car.
* Siet.been eating roo much recently. Sheshould eat less.
r It's nice to see you again.'What haveyou been doing since the last time wesaw you?
s {he5 have you been? Have you beenplaying tennis?
Use the continuous to say how long (for anactivity that is still happening):I Howlong have you-been reading that
book?r Lisa is still writing letters. She's been
writing letrers all dav.:r They've been playing tennis since 2:00.
€ The car is OK again now. I,ve fixed
x Somebody has eaten all my candy! Thebox is empry.
! Where's the book I gave you? Ifhathave you done withlt?
* Ffave you ever played tennis?
Use the simple to say-how much, how manSor !9w many times (for completed actions):I How many pages of that book have you
read?r Lisa has written ten lefters today.
I They've played rennis three times thisweek.
For a list of these verbs, see Unit 4A.
Present Perfect (simpre) units 7-8 present perfect continuous Unit 9Present Perfect with forlsr?rce Units 11_12
-
Exercises
' Yul.;jl:'fj;*1'd rrom'"u(make / ren movies since they graduated from college) They(make / movies since they left lofiege)
(visit / six countries so far)3. Jimmy is a tennis player. H. b.g"" pl"fit;il;*h; h"
","r;" y"_.
"ld. Thi, r;;^he is national champion again ifor'the fourth ti_".(win / thb national.t"-pio.,rrri;;;;;-"s)
_(play /tennis since he wai ten)
UNI1o'1 Read the situations and write two sentences using the words in parentheses.
1' Luis started reading a book two hours ago. He is srill reading it, and now he is on page 53.(read /for two hours) Heles been reodina fnr ruzn hn,,-.
^ f."i / 53 pages so far.) -
' lf^rfll-f1om {ustralia. she i; ,r"*li"g around South America;rr* -.-*.She began her trip three months ago.
(travel / for three months) She
/o
10.2
10.3
For each situation, ask a question using the words in parentheses.1. You have a friend who is studying Arabic. you ask:
(how long / study / Arabic?)
(how long / wait?)3. Y.ou see somebody fishing by th;ri".r. y""
"rl"(how many fish / catch?) _4. Some friends of yours
"r" h"r,
!h9w m,any people / invite?)5. A friend of youis i,
" t.".h.i y"u
"rl*(how long / teach?l5. You meer somebody who ir;;;t* y.,
"rl"(how many books / write?)(how long / write / books?i
7.* $ld of,yours.is r"ui'g @(how long / save?)(how much money / save?)
Put the verb into the more appropriate form, present perfect simple or continuous.
I X$.:He youbeen? Have you been p/aying . (you / play) tennis?2. Look! Somebody \/uu ' PraY' renr
? v^.. r^^r_ ̂ :--- r (break) that window.3. You look tired.
4.u - (you / work) hard?
5. My brother is an actor. He(you / ever / work) in a factory?', ,.No, never.,,
6. "Sorry f'm late." ..Thatt all rigtlt.
3: , tr it srill raining?" "No, it%
(you / see) it ""yrGt.l
-
9. 1
,0. {no, / finish) it yet.
(appear) in several movies.
(stop).'(not / wait) long.',
(lose) my address book.
read) the book you lenr me. but I
(read) the book vou lent me, so you can have it back now.
21
