Verb TensesLevel 3+

What are “verb tenses”“Verb Tense” is a combination of “time” and “aspect” of an action.● “time” refers to past and present--some

would include future● “aspect” refers to simple, progressive, and

perfect

Time in Verb TenseThe time in verb tense is mainly present and past.

Future time is shown by using will (a modal) or be going to/be V+ing (progressive forms)

NOTE: The first word in the verb phrase will show time.

Present TimeMost present time verbs use the base form.● walk→ I walk everyday.● have→ We have seen it

He, she, and it subjects add an -s/-es to the verb.● walk→ She walks everyday.● be→ He is working right now.

Past TimePast time phrases are noted by adding -ed (or using an irregular form)

walk→ walkedrun→ ranhave→ hadbe→ was/were

Future TimeFuture is usually noted by using the modal will or the progressive be going to

walk→ will walk [be] going to walk

Future Time pt 2However, it is important to understand that future can be implied in a number of ways.

Other ModalsWe can go there tomorrow.

Present ProgressiveThey are meeting next Wednesday.

Aspects of VerbsThe three aspects of verbs include:● Simple● Progressive● Perfect

NOTE: Perfect and Progressive may be used together (i.e., “perfect progressive”).

Simple Aspect Simple aspect will not modify the main verb. Only the rules of time will apply.

walk→ walk/walks/walked

This is used to state basic information such as facts, beliefs, knowledge, opinions, etc.

Simple UsagePresent is used to talk about:● habits/routine

o She studies two hours a day.o They will meet on weekends.

● statements of fact/opiniono We lived in Hawaii.o The sun is a star.o I like pizza.

Progressive AspectProgressive aspect focus on the action in the verb. It refers to a state-of-being at the time of the action.

Form: [be] + main verb (present participle)walk→ am walking, is walking, are walking, were walking, was walking

Progressive UsageProgressive is used to talk about:● at the time:

o We are working on a project right now.o Last night, they were dancing at the party.

● state of being:o He is being so annoying!o I was feeling kind of tired.

Perfect AspectPerfect forms focus on possible completion of an action. Perfect verbs will have a start and end point.

Form: [have] + main verb (past participle)walk→ have walked, has walked, had walked

Perfect UsagePerfect aspect is used to talk about:● completion

o We have won!o They have built a new headquarters downtown.

● events in the pasto After I had eaten lunch, my friends invited me to join

them.

Perfect ProgressivePerfect Progressive combines focus on action with a sense of possible completion.

Form: [have] + been + main verb (present participle)walk→ have been walking, has been walking, had been walking

Perfect Progressive UsagePerfect Progressive is used to talk about:● recently completed

o I have been looking for you.● incomplete

o She has been preparing for her driving test.● new habits

o He has been running every morning.

Verb OrderVerbs will always follow the same pattern.

Any verbs that are used will have a specific effect on the verb that follows.

All variants are optional, except the main verb.

The first word will indicate the time frame.

Verb OrderModal (followed by the base form)

Perfect (followed by the past participle)Progressive (followed by the present

participle)

Passive* (followed by the past

participle)

Main Verb*Passive is not discussed in this

presentation.

Examples of Verb OrderI walk.I am walking.I have been walking.I could have been walking.

She jogs.She can jog.She might be jogging.She would have jogged.She may have been jogging.

Key Points to Remember● Tense = Time Frame + Aspect

● Verbs must be applied in a specific order.

● The first word in the Verb Phrase will indicate the Time Frame.