TENSES

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TENSES

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Different forms of the main verbs (verb forms) are combined with different auxiliary verbs to make up the finite verb groups in sentences.

Finite verb groups signal TENSE and ASPECT.TENSE refers to the time of an action;

PRESENT (exists now), PAST (existed in the past) or FUTURE (likely to exist in the future)

ASPECT refers to the nature of the action or event described by the verb;

SIMPLE (indefinite), PERFECT (completed) or CONTINUOUS/PROGRESSIVE (still continuing)

verb form + auxiliary verb = finite verbs of a sentence

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TENSES : FORMS

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PRESENT TENSES

Tense Positive Negative Question

Simple Present

base form(You write the letter)

do/does + not + base form(You do not write the letter)

(He does not write the letter)

do/does + base form(Do you write the letter?) (Does he write the letter)

‘s form(He writes the letter)

is/am/are(She is a writer)

is/am/are + not(She is not a writer)

is/am/are(Is she a writer?)

Present Continuous

is/am/are + -ing participle

(They are writing …)

is/am/are + not + -ing participle

(They are not writing …)

is/am/are + -ing particle

(Are they writing …?)

Present Perfect

have/has + -ed participle(We have written …)

have/has + not + -ed participle(We have not written …)

have/has + -ed participle(Have you written …?)

Present Perfect

Continuous

have/has + been + -ing participle

(He has been writing ...)

have/has + not + been+ -ing participle

(He has not been writing …)

have/has + been+ -ing participle

(Has he been writing …?)

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PAST TENSES


Simple Past past form(You wrote the letter)

did + not + base form(You did not write the letter)

did + base form(Did you write the letter?)

was/were(She was a writer)

was/were + not(She was not a writer)

was/were(Was she a writer?)

Past Continuous

was/were + -ing participle

(They were writing ….)

was/were + not + -ing participle

(They were not writing ….)

was/were + -ing particle

(Were they writing …?)

Past Perfect had + -ed participle(We had written ….)

had + not + -ed participle(We had not written ….)

had + -ed participle(Had you written …?)

Past Perfect Continuous

had + been+ -ing participle

(He had been writing …)

had + not + been+ -ing participle

(He had not been writing …)

have/has + been+ -ing participle

(Has he been writing …?)

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FUTURE TENSES


Simple Future

will + base form(You will write the letter)

will + not + base form(You will not write the letter)

will + base form(Will you write the letter?)

Future Continuous

will + be + -ing participle(They will be writing …)

will + not + -ing participle(They will not be writing …)

will + be + -ing particle(Will they be writing …?)

Future Perfect

will + have + -ed participle

(We will have written …)

will + have+ not +-ed participle

(We will have not written ..)

will + have + -ed participle

(Will you have written …?)

Future Perfect

Continuous

will + have + been + -ing participle

(He will have been writing…)

will + not + have + been+ -ing participle

(He will not have been writing…)

will + have + been+ -ing participle

(Will he have been writing…?)

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TENSES : FUNCTIONS

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PRESENT

TENSES

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SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE_1

No. Function Example / Note

1. To express a general truth / fact Water freezes at 0C.

2. To express a habit / habitual action (what happens regularly)

Fina goes to college every morning.

PAST NOW FUTURE

3. To indicate a planned future event (normally in a timetable/programme)

The express bus arrives at 9 in the morning.

4. To describe a process orto give an instruction/order/warning

The doctor sterilizes the equipment.Tear the paper into two.

5. To express thoughts / feelings at the present moment, or about immediate reactions to something

I’m awfully busy.They both taste the same.Wow! She looks great in that colour.

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6. To talk about a physical feeling that is affecting you or someone else

I feel drowsy.My stomach hurts.

7. To talk about a settled state of affairs which includes the present moment but where the particular time reference is not important

My dad works in Arab Saudi.He lives in Wollonggong.She is a good daughter.My friend is a doctor.

8. To discuss what happens in a book / play / film (review)

In those early chapters, she does not reveal her true colours.

9. To describe something you read in a book

In his book, the author says love of money is the root of all evil.

10. To describe an event such as a sports match or a ceremony at the time that it is happening (used by commentators on radio or TV)

And Gray takes the ball upfield again, passes to McInally on the edge of the box. He turns, shoots – and a fine save from Grobbelaar.

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11. To report what someone said to you at some point in recent past (use reporting verb like ‘say’ or ‘tell’)

I’ve never done bungee-jumping, but they tell me it’s a fascinating sport.Grey says you told her to come here.

12. To express how often something happens (used with adverbs of frequency)

We sometimes sleep late.She always cries.always often rarely/seldom usually sometimes never

100% 0%

13. In the ‘if’ clause of a conditional statement

If you want to see me, I will be in the staff room.

*Simple Present Tense - to talk about permanent situations / things that happen repeatedly / all the time.

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PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or state that is happening at the moment of speaking

My mother is cooking in the kitchen now. (You can see her there.)

PAST NOW FUTURE

Jane works for an insurance company but she isn’t working today.

Jane works for an insurance company

PAST NOW FUTURE

She is not working today.

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2. To talk about a temporary action or situation in the present (a situation that is happening at present but not necessarily taking place at the moment of speaking)

I am studying linguistics at a local college. PAST NOW FUTURE

3. To indicate changes, trends, development and progress

His handwriting is improving.The world is becoming smaller.

4. To talk about a future event which arises from a present arrangement or plan (the plan must involve human beings including domestic pets that are considered to have human qualities)

We are leaving by bus tonight. (We’ve bought the tickets.)My family and I are going to Disneyland this Christmas.My dog is having puppies next week.

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5. To show an action that is often repeated (used with adverb of frequency to emphasize how often and action takes place)

Pn. Sarah is always complaining about her children.

You are always looking for faults.

6. To talk about a habitual action that takes place regularly, especially one which is new or temporary

You are drinking too much lately.

Do you know if she’s still playing these days?

7. To express that something in the present led you to predict something in the future (use ‘be going to’)

Look at those dark cloud! It’s going to rain.Watch out! You are going to fall.

*Present Continuous Tense - to talk about a temporary situation that have a definite time

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Present Continuous(ongoing activity: pre.cont.1)

Simple Present(regular activity: simp.pre.12)

Dad is listening to a concert. He often listens to concerts on the radio.

Dave is having a shower. He always has a shower when he returns from work.

Simple Present(permanent situation:

simp.pre.7)

Present Continuous(temporary situation: pre.cont. 2)

Gary lives in Johore. Gary is living with us till his apartment is ready to move into.

Sarah is a secretive person.

Sarah is being secretive about her marriage plan.

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Simple Present(express state of mind:

simp.pre.5)

Present Continuous(refer to process)

I think it’s a mistake. Shh. I am thinking.

Could you see the point that I try to convey?

How odd – I am seeing two of everything!

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PRESENT PERFECT TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that took place in the past but whose results are still present

I have taken my lunch. (I’m full now.) PAST NOW FUTURE

Aminah has read the book. (She knows the content of the book.)

2. To talk about an action or event that began in the past and continues to the present time (used with ‘since’ and ‘for’)

They have worked here for 2 years. PAST NOW FUTURE (2008) (2010)

2 years

They have work here since 2008.

results of the action

action/event is still in progress

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PRESENT PERFECT TENSE_2


3. To refer to an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past

She has had dinner.They have raised RM5,000 for the fund.

4. To refer to the repetition of an activity before the time of speaking (to say how much / how many times someone has done something)

I have called him many times.

5. To talk about a quality / attitude / possession that still exists / is still relevant

I have known him for years.He has always liked you.

*Present Perfect Tense – cannot be used with words that refer to a completely finished period of time like already, yesterday.

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Present Perfect(pre.perf.2)

Simple Past(simp.past.1)

Sally has been in my employment for five years and

is completely trustworthy.*(she is still working with me)

Sally was in my employment for five years.

*(she no longer works for me)Grandad has smoked all his

adult life.*(Grandad still smoke till this

point of his life.)

Grandad smoked all his adult life.

*(Grandad is dead now.)

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Simple Past(simp.past.1)

Jim has failed his driving test six times.

*(but, he’s trying again)

Jim failed his driving test six times.

*(he passed at the seventh attempt, or he gave up trying!)

Present Perfect(British English)

Simple Past(American English)

usually or can be used with the adverbs:already / just / yet

Have you made any holiday plans yet?

Did you make any holiday plans yet?

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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that happened in the recent past but whose results are still present

It has been raining. (The streets are still wet) PAST NOW FUTURE

The kids have been playing here. Their toys are all over the room.

2. To talk about an action or event that began in the past and continues to the present time (the situation is usually not finished and will probably continue into the future)

I have been collecting Beanie Babies for four years. PAST NOW FUTURE

4 years

results of the action

action/event is still in progress

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Present Perfect Continuous(pre.perf.cont.2)


I have been compiling an address list on my computer.*(I still have some way to go)

I have compiled an address list on my computer.*(It’s complete)

I have been reading Sidney Sheldon’s new thriller.

*(I haven’t finished it yet)

I have read Sidney Sheldon’s new thriller.

*(I’ve finished it).

Present Perfect Continuous(mention of continuous period)

Present Perfect(mention of no. of occasions)

I have been phoning Janet all morning, and there’s still no

answer.

I have phoned Janet four times this morning, and there’s still no

answer.

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PAST

TENSES

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SIMPLE PAST TENSE_1


1. To express an action that began and ended at a particular time in the past

I watched an interesting show last week. PAST NOW FUTURE

Andy made some coffee when the guests arrived. PAST NOW FUTURE

(guests) (coffee)

2. To state a past habit or a past situation that no longer exist in the present (sometimes use ‘used to’ + base form of the verb)

My dad always sent us to school. PAST NOW FUTURE

Sandy used to ride a motorbike to go to the office.

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SIMPLE PAST TENSE_2


3. To express an unlikely event in the ‘if’ clause of a conditional statement

If I were you, I would accept the offer.If he worked hard, he would be successful.

4. In indirect speech to replace the present tense in the direct speech

They said, “We are happy to be elected.”They said that they were happy to be elected.

5. After word such as ‘wish’ I wish I knew it earlier.

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(no time expression)

Simple Past(simp. past.1)

(specific time expression)Sir John Gielgud has died at the

age of 96.Sir John Gielgud died yesterday. He was 96.

I have told you about it already. I told you last week.

Robert has passed his driving test. He passed it in May.

Simple Past(situation has changed)

Present Perfect(ongoing up to the present

moment)

Helen attended this school for six years.

*(she no longer attends it)

Helen has attended this school for six years.

*(she still attends it)

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PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To express an action that in progress at one particular time in the past

Ali was watching television at 8 last night. PAST NOW FUTURE

2. To express an action that was in progress over a period of time in the past

They were playing football the whole morning yesterday.

3. To express an action that was in progress when another action took place.

Andy was making some coffee when the guess arrived. PAST NOW FUTURE

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PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE_2


4. To describe two events that were in progress simultaneously in the past

Some students were talking when the teacher was writing on the board. PAST NOW FUTURE (talking)

(writing)

5. To describe a past habitual action Siti was always crying for milk when she was an infant.

6. In indirect speech to replace the present continuous tense in the direct speech

She said, “I am studying for my exam.”She said that she was studying for her exam.

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PAST PERFECT TENSE_1


1. To indicate that an action was completed before a particular time in the past

The prefects had decorated the hall yesterday. PAST NOW FUTURE (yesterday)

(action)

2. To show a past action that happened earlier than another action in the past

The concert had started when they went in. PAST NOW FUTURE

(1) (2)

action completed

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PAST PERFECT TENSE_2


3. To talk about an action that began at one particular time in the past and continued up to another point of past time (used with ‘since’ or ‘for’)

He had taught English for 30 years. PAST NOW FUTURE

(duration)

4. To express an impossible event in the ‘if’ clause of a conditional statement

If you had been there, this would not have happened to me.

5. In indirect speech to replace the present perfect tense in the direct speech

Dad said, “Mum has gone out.”Dad said that mum had gone out.

6. With words such as ‘if only’ or ‘wish’ to show a past wish that was not fulfilled

I wish I had studied harder for the exam.

no longer teachinghad stopped

teaching

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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action that began at one particular time in the past and continued up to another point of past time (the emphasis is the continuation of an action, not the end result)

I finally saw Rob at 4.00p.m. I had been waiting for hours.

PAST NOW FUTURE

When the race started, it had been raining and the streets were wet.

PAST NOW FUTURE

I was waiting

4.00 p.m.: I saw Rob

streets were wet

the race startedit was raining

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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE_2


2. To draw conclusion about past events based on evidence

She was out of breath. It was clear that she had been running.

The Past Perfect Continuous Tense versus Present Perfect Continuous Tense *The similarity: both focus on the duration of the actions or event*The difference: Past P.C. refers to actions/events that extended from one point in the past to another point in the past Present P.C. refers to actions/events that extended from a point in the past to now Examples: (1) Asiah has been working here since 2000. (2) Ellina had been working here since 2000.

PAST NOW FUTURE

Ellina is no longer working here

Asiah is still working hereEllina stopped working

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FUTURE

TENSES

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SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that will happen in the future

Karen will start work next week PAST NOW FUTURE

They crowd will cheer when the pop star arrives. PAST NOW FUTURE

(1) (2)

2. To talk about general truths and to say what can be expected to happen if a particular situation arises

An attack of malaria can keep a man off work for three days. He will earn nothing and his family will go hungry.

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3. To predict a future action or event (based on what you know, believe, or have calculated)

The unemployment rate will double next year.It will probably rain. It usually rains in the evening. (based on knowledge of whether conditions)

compare with

Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain. (based on outside evidence)

4. To express spontaneous decision at the time of speaking.

Hold on. I will get a pen.We will see what we can do to help you.

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5. To talk about things that we cannot control

I will be twenty four next week.

6. In conditional clause If he does not obey the rule, I will punish him.

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FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that is in progress at a particular moment in the future

(You can’t meet Mr. Velu at 10 a.m. tomorrow.) He will be attending a meeting. PAST NOW FUTURE

They crowd will be cheering when the pop star arrives. PAST NOW FUTURE

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FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE_2


2. To express a planned future action or event that is in progress a specific period of time in the future

I will be staying here till Sunday.The team will be having their practice from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.

3. To indicate that an action or event will happen as a result of a routine (expected to happen in the normal course of things)

I will be phoning my mother tonight. (I normally call her on Fridays)

The postman will be coming soon.

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FUTURE PERFECT TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that will be completed by a specific time in the future (focus on the results of an action)

He will have left before you go to see him. PAST NOW FUTURE

I’ll have written the report by tonight, so it’ll be on your desk tomorrow morning.

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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE_1


1. To talk about an action or event that extends from a point of time in the future to another point of future time.

By the time Sue gets here at 10 a.m., Sharon will have been waiting for an hour.

PAST NOW FUTURE

9 a.m. 10 a.m.

1 hour

Sue gets here

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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE_2


2. To talk about an action or event that began in the past and will continue to another point of future time.

I will have been working in the company for 35 years by the time I retire next year.

PAST NOW FUTURE (next year)

35 years

This report is taking ages. I’ll have been writing it for a week by the time I finish.

retire

Documents

TENSES