Before you begin the verb tense lessons, it is extremely important to understand that NOT all English verbs are the same. English verbs are divided into three groups:
Group I Continuous Verbs
The first group, called "Continuous Verbs", contains most English verbs. These verbs are usually physical actions which you can see somebody doing. These verbs can be used in all tenses.
Continuous Verbs
to run, to walk, to eat, to fly, to go, to say, to touch etc.
Examples:
I eat dinner every day. Correct
I am eating dinner now. Correct
Group IINon-continuous Verbs
The second group, called "Non-continuous Verbs", is smaller. These verbs are usually things you cannot see somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used in "continuous" tenses. They include:
Abstract Verbs
to be, to want, to cost, to seem, to need, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist...
Possession Verbs
to possess, to own, to belong...
Emotion Verbs
to like, to love, to hate, to dislike, to fear, to envy, to mind...
Examples:
He is here now. Correct
He is being here now. Not Correct
He wants a drink now. Correct
He is wanting a drink now. Not Correct
Group III Mixed Verbs
The third group, called "Mixed Verbs", is the smallest group. These verbs have more than one meaning. Some meanings behave like "Non-continuous Verbs", while other meanings behave like "Continuous Verbs."
Mixed Verbs
to have, to appear, to see, to hear, to feel, to weigh, to look ...
List of Mixed Verbs with Examples and Definitions:
to appear:
Donna appears confused. Non-continuous Verb
(Donna seems confused.)
My favorite singer is appearing at the jazz club tonight. Continuous Verb
(My favorite singer is giving a performance at the jazz club tonight.)
to have:
I have a dollar now. Non-continuous Verb
(I possess a dollar.)
I am having fun now. Continuous Verb
(I am experiencing fun now.)
to hear:
She hears the music. Non-continuous Verb
(She hears the music with her ears.)
She is hearing voices. Continuous Verb
(To hear something others cannot hear. She is hearing voices in her mind.)
to miss:
John misses Sally. Non-continuous Verb
(He is sad because she is not there.)
Debbie is missing her favorite TV program. Continuous Verb
(She is not there to see her favorite program.)
to see:
I see her. Non-continuous Verb
(I see her with my eyes.)
I am seeing the doctor. Continuous Verb
(To visit or consult with a doctor, dentist, or lawyer.)
I am seeing her. Continuous Verb
(I am having a relationship with her.)
He is seeing ghosts at night. Continuous Verb
(To see something others cannot see. For example ghosts, aura, a vision of the future etc.)
to smell:
The coffee smells good. Non-continuous Verb
(The coffee has a good smell.)
I am smelling the flowers. Continuous Verb
(I am sniffing the flowers.)
to taste:
The coffee tastes good. Non-continuous Verb
(The coffee has a good taste.)
I am tasting the cake. Continuous Verb
(I am trying the cake to see what it tastes like.)
to think:
He thinks the test is easy. Non-continuous Verb
(He considers the test to be easy.)
She is thinking about the question. Continuous Verb
(She is pondering the question, going over it in her mind.)
to weigh:
The table weighs a lot. Non-continuous Verb
(The table has a great weight.)
She is weighing herself. Continuous Verb
(She is determining her weight.)
Some Verbs Can Be Especially Confusing:
to be:
Joe is American. Non-continuous Verb
(Joe is an American citizen.)
Joe is being very American. Continuous Verb
(Joe is behaving like a stereotypical American.)
Joe is being very rude. Continuous Verb
(Joe is behaving very rudely. Usually he is not rude.)
Joe is being very formal. Continuous Verb
(Joe is behaving very formally. Usually he is not formal.)
NOTICE: Only rarely is "to be" used in a continuous form. This is most commonly done when a person is temporarily behaving badly or stereotypically. It can also be used when someone's behavior is noticeably different.
to feel:
The massage feels great. Non-continuous Verb
(The massage has a pleasing feeling.)
I don't feel well today. Continuous or Non-continuous Verb
I am not feeling well today.
(I am a little sick.)
NOTICE: Feel is very flexible and there is no difference in meaning in the two sentences above.)
The verbs do and make are often confused by
nonnative speakers.
do
often has the meaning of “perform a routine or assigned activity.”
make
usually has the sense of producing or creating something.
do your homework
do your best
do business with
do the ironing, washing, cleaning, housework
do the dishes
do exercises
do a favor
do research
do your job
but…
make a donation—make a contribution (in class)
make a mistake--make an error
make friends with
make money
make a noise
make peace—make war
make a plan
make a promise
make a speech
make a turn
make a comparion
make a decision (the British “take” decisions)
make a discovery
and…
To make matters worse, one expression has both! “Make do”
means to manage with what is available. (I couldn’t find any cous cous in the
store, so I had to make do with rice.I
can’t afford to buy a new car this year, so I’m going to have to make do with
my old Ford for another year.)
Two
idiomatic expressions:
When
you ask someone what they do, you are asking what their job is. (I asked
Anwar what he does and he said he works at Dunkin’ Donuts.)
When
you ask someone what they make or how much they make, you are
asking how much money they earn. (How much do you make at the doughnut shop?)
By the way, it is very rude to ask an American directly how much they make. You
can ask them what they do, but not what they make!
I run
you run
he runs
she runs
it runs
we run
they run
USE 1 Repeated Actions
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.
EXAMPLES:
I play tennis.
She does not play tennis.
The train leaves every morning at 8 am.
The train does not leave at 9am.
She always forgets her purse.
He never forgets his wallet.
Every twelve months, the Earth circles the sun.
The sun does not circle the Earth.
USE 2 Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.
EXAMPLES:
Cats like milk.(It is not important that this fact is untrue.)
Birds do not like milk.
California is in America.
California is not in the United Kingdom.
Windows are made of glass.
Windows are not made of wood.
New York is a small city.
USE 3 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Sometimes speakers use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.
The Simple Future has two different forms in English, "will" and "be going to." Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.
FORMWill
[WILL] + [VERB]
EXAMPLES:
I will help him later.
I will never help him.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple Future (will help), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (will never help).
FORMBe Going To
[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERB]
EXAMPLES:
He is going to meet Jane tonight.
He is definitely going to meet Jane tonight.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple Future (is going to meet), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (is definitely going to meet).
IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless." In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
EXAMPLES:
When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct
When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
USE 1"Will" to Express a Voluntary Action
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help.
EXAMPLES:
A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it.
USE 2"Will" to Express a Promise
"Will" is usually used in promises.
EXAMPLES:
I will call you when I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
USE 3"Be going to" to Express a Plan
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future.
EXAMPLES:
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
We are going to meet each other tonight at 6:00 PM.
A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake.
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.
USE 4"Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction
Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In "prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples there is no difference in meaning.
EXAMPLES:
The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMSSimple Future
EXAMPLES:
John will certainly finish the work by 5:00 PM. ACTIVE
The work will certainly be finished by 5:00 PM. PASSIVE
Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. ACTIVE
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. PASSIVE
This lesson will concentrate on the principal parts of the verb
and then we will focus on using the simple present and the present
continuous forms.
Most grammar teachers talk about three principal parts of the
verb:
Present
Past
Past Participle
ask
asked
asked
I like to think of four principal parts of a verb:
Present
Past
Present Participle
Past Participle
ask
asked
asking
asked
need
needed
needing
needed
scrape
scraped
scraping
scraped
run
ran
running
run
give
gave
giving
given
go
went
going
gone
Spelling is a consideration when we talk about all these verb parts.
Look at the chart above and think about this rule:
Double the final consonant when you add -ed or -ing
to a verb that ends with one vowel followed by
one consonant.
Don't double the final consonant when you add -ing to need
or ask, but double it when adding -ing to trap or run.
When a verb ends
with an e, you must drop the e before adding -ing
and you should only add a d for the regular past tense or past participle.
Drop the final e in give and scrape before adding
the -ing and only add a -d when you make scrape a
past tense verb.
Remember:ask, need, and scrape are regular verbs and run, give, and go are irregular verbs.
Regular verbs always have -ed as a past tense ending.
Irregular verbs have various (irregular)
past tense endings.
Be careful not to overuse the present participle.
Use the present participle only with the progressive tenses and participial
adjectives. Note the difference between the present tense and the present progressive tense.
Present Tense
Present Progressive (Continuous) Tense
Example
Bob runs every morning before work.
Example
Bob is running to catch the bus.
Explanation
Use the present tense to indicate that something happens on
a regular basis. The present tense is used for habitual actions.
Explanation
Use the present progressive tense to indicate that something
is happening right now. The progressive tense is sometimes called
the continuous tense because it describes something that is continuing.
Note: Certain verbs cannot be used in the present progressive
tense. These are verbs that indicate conditions or states.
These verbs don't express action, so they cannot be in the present progressive.
They are called stative verbs. They include:
Stative Verbs
Descriptions
Possession
Measurement
Senses
Emotions/
attitudes
Ideas
seem
have
weigh
feel
love/need
know
be
own
measure
hear
like/want
think
look like
possess
equal
see
care/prefer
believe
sound like
belong to
cost
taste
hate/dislike
recognize
involve
owe
amount to
smell
mind/value
remember
consist of
depend on
hurt
appreciate
understand
contain
mean
Some of these verbs have a non-stative meaning also.
Stative: I feel sad about your brother's problems.
The soup tastes too salty.
Non-stative: The doctor is feeling my arm to see if it is broken.
David is tasting the soup. He doesn't want it to taste too salty
"They're not (they aren't) working. They're playing.
"
"We're not (we aren't) watching television. We're surfing
the Net."
Opposites
stand
sit
walk
run
play
work
Spelling
Tip:
Using a dictionary
Dictionaries come in many sizes and kinds. Small dictionaries are called
pocket or compact, larger dictionaries are often called shorter and very large
dictionaries are often called greater.
Small dictionaries are useful for finding everyday spellings and meanings.
Some dictionaries have pictures to show the meanings of words. They are good
for checking words that can be confused:-
horsen a four-legged animal with hooves .... hoarseadj. of the voice, rough or croaking.
In a dictionary after the word they tell you what kind of word it is in
italics:-
I had been waiting there for two hours before she finally arrived.
She had only been studying English for two years before she got the job.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Perfect Continuous (had been studying), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (had only been studying).
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past
We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now.
EXAMPLES:
They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.
She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.
James had been teaching at the University for more than a year before he left for Asia.
USE 2Cause of Something in the Past
Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.
EXAMPLES:
Jason was tired because he had been jogging.
Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.
IMPORTANT
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday", many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous. There is also a difference in meaning. Compare the examples below.
EXAMPLES:
I was reading when my roommate returned.
Emphasizes the interruption of "reading."
I had been readingfor an hour when my roommate returned.
Emphasizes the amount of time "for an hour."
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMSPast Perfect Continuous
EXAMPLES:
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years, before he moved to Paris. ACTIVE
The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris. PASSIVE
NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.
Examples: NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Perfect (had met), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (had never met).
I had studied a little English when I came to the U.S.
They had never met an American until they met John.
USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in Past
The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.
EXAMPLES:
I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.
Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 1992?
Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before in 1988.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-continuous Verbs)
With Non-progressive Verbs and some non-progressive uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.
EXAMPLES:
We had had that car for ten years before it broke down.
By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years.
IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect
Unlike the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
EXAMPLE:
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when before or after is used in the sentence. The words before and after actually tell you what happens first so the Past Perfect is optional. Both sentences below are correct.
EXAMPLE:
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
HOWEVER
If the Past Perfect action did not happen at a specific time, Past Perfect MUST be used at all times. Compare the two sentences below.
EXAMPLE:
She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct
She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMSPast Perfect
EXAMPLES
George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanics license. ACTIVE
Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanics license. PASSIVE
I was carefully picking up the snake when it bit me.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Continuous (was picking), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (was carefully picking).
IMPORTANT
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word when such as "...when she called " or "...when it bit me." Clauses with the Past Continuous usually start with while. While expresses the idea "during the time." Study the examples below. They have the same meaning.
EXAMPLES:
I was studying when she called.
While I was studying, she called.
USE 1Interrupted Action in the Past
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
EXAMPLES:
I was watching TV when she called.
When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
While we were having a picnic, it started to rain.
Sally was working when Joe had the car accident.
While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by an action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
EXAMPLES:
Last night at 6 p.m., I was eating dinner.
At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Past a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous a specific time only interrupts the action.
EXAMPLES:
Last night at 6 p.m., I ate dinner.
(I started eating at 6 p.m.)
Last night at 6 p.m., I was eating dinner.
(I started earlier and at 6 p.m. I was in the process of eating dinner.)
USE 3Parallel Actions
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
EXAMPLES:
I was studying while he was making dinner.
While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
They were eating dinner, discussing their plans and having a good time.
USE 4Atmosphere
In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the past.
EXAMPLE:
When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.
USE 5Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Past Continuous with words such as always or constantly expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression used to but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words always or constantly between "be" and "verb+ing."
EXAMPLES:
She was always coming to class late.
He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
IMPORTANTNon-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past.
EXAMPLES:
Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not CorrectCorrect
Jane was at my house when you arrived.
ACTIVE / PASSIVEPast Continuous
EXAMPLES:
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store. ACTIVE
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store. PASSIVE
Verbs are the most important words in a sentence. Verbs are the first of the eight parts of speech that we will be studying. Most verbs are action words, but a few verbs indicate state of being or existence. The first lessons will be about verbs, and how they are recognized and used.
Find the verbs in the following sentences. They are action verbs.
The wolf ran across the sand.
Sit down.
The dog barked at the man.
Answer:
The verbs in the sentences are ran, sit, and barked. All three verbs are action verbs since they show action. Action verbs are the most common verbs.
Lesson 2
Parts of Speech - Verbs
Find the verbs in these sentences. These verbs will be state of being verbs.
My uncle is a pilot.
The pie looks good.
You seem upset.
Answer:
The verbs in the sentences are is, looks, and seem. These verbs are state of being or linking verbs. Some common linking verbs are is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been, seem, look, feel, and become. They do not show action. They just show that something exists.
Parts of Speech - Verbs
Pick out the verbs in these sentences and tell whether they are action verbs or linking verbs.
Suddenly someone sneezed loudly.
There are holes in my shirt.
He appears happy.
The image appeared in the mirror.
Answer:
The verbs are sneezed, are, appears, and appeared. Sneezed and appeared are action verbs. Are and appears are linking or state of being verbs. Some verbs like appear can be either action or linking verbs. It depends on whether it shows action or not. Appears above is like saying seems which shows no action while appeared above shows the action of the image.
Lesson 4
Parts of Speech - Verbs
Sometimes a verb can be more than one word. When a verb is more than one word, it is called a verb phrase. Verb phrases can be two, three, or four words. Verb phrases are made by using auxiliary or helping verbs. What are the verb phrases in these sentences?
You are going to Seattle.
You have been resting too much.
We must be early.
I will be finished shortly.
Answer:
The verb phrases are are going, have been resting, must be, and will be finished. These sentences all have what are called auxiliary or helping verbs. I will refer to them as helping verbs. There are twenty-three (23) helping verbs that should be memorized since they are used so often. If you will memorize them, it will make knowing and understanding verbs much easier. They are usually grouped in the following five groups:
Group 1: is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
Group 2: has, have, had
Group 3: do, does, did
Group 4: shall, will, should, would
Group 5: may, might, must, can, could
Lesson 5
Parts of Speech - Verbs
Some of the helping verbs can be used alone as the main verb. Is, am, are, was, and were can be used alone as linking or state of being verbs. Has, have, had, do, does, and did always show action when used alone. Be, being, and been can be used with other verbs either to show action or state of being. The other helping verbs cannot be used alone but only as helping verbs.
Find the verb or verb phrases in these sentences.
She has too many friends.
You do beautiful work.
I was in Canada last week.
You are being very stubborn.
Answer:
The verb and verb phrases were has, do, was, and are being. Has and do are action verbs, and was and are being are state of being verbs.
Quiz for Lessons
List the verbs or verb phrases in the sentences, and tell whether they are action verbs or state of being verbs. For extra credit, find the helping verbs.
1. Jim plays basketball.
2. They will return on the airplane.
3. Badger is a funny dog.
4. I have been here a long time.
5. I should have been playing the drum.
6. Go home.
Answers:
1. plays - action
2. will return - action
3. is - linking or state of being
4. have been - state of being
5. should have been playing - action
6. go -action
The helping verbs are will, have, should, have, and been. The been in sentence 4 is not a helping verb because it is the main verb. The last verb in a verb phrase is always the main verb.
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "until," "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
EXAMPLES:
I won't tell the student the answer until he has been working on the math problem for more than an hour. Correct
I won't tell the student the answer until he will have been working on the math problem for more than an hour. Not Correct
FORMFuture Perfect Continuous
[WILL HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]
EXAMPLE:
I will have been waiting for two hours when her plane finally arrives.
[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]
EXAMPLE:
I am going to have been waiting for two hours when her plane finally arrives.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect Continuous with little or no difference in meaning.
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Future
We use the Future Perfect Continuous to show that something will continue up until a particular event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks" and "since Friday" are all durations which can be used with the Future Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous, however the duration stops in the future.
EXAMPLES:
They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Tony arrives.
She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally closes.
James will have been teaching at the University for more than a year by the time he leaves for Asia.
USE 2Cause of Something in the Future
Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show cause and effect.
EXAMPLES:
Jason will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging for over an hour.
Claudia's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is going to have been studying English in the United States for over two years.
IMPORTANT
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday", many English speakers choose to use the Future Continuous. There is also a difference in meaning. Compare the examples below.
EXAMPLES:
I will be reading when my roommate returns.
The reading will be interrupted.
I will have been reading for an hour when my roommate returns.
The reading will stop just before my roommate returns.
ACTIVE / PASSIVEFuture Perfect Continuous
EXAMPLES:
The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished. ACTIVE
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished. PASSIVE
NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.
Like all future forms, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time", "as soon as", "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
EXAMPLES:
While I am finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Correct
While I will be finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Not Correct
FORMFuture Continuous
[WILL BE] + [VERB+ing]
EXAMPLE:
When your plane arrives tonight, I will be waiting for you.
[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERBing]
EXAMPLE:
When your plane arrives tonight, I am going to be waiting for you.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Continuous with little or no difference in meaning.
USE 1Interrupted Action in the Future
Use the Future Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future will be interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Future. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
EXAMPLES:
I will be watching TV when she arrives tonight.
I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.
While I am working, Steve will make dinner. (NOTICE "am working" because of "while.")
I am going to be staying at the Madison Hotel, if anything happens and you need to contact me.
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when she arrives.
NOTE: No future tenses can be used in Time Clauses therefore you must say "While I am working... ." See the warning at the top of the page.
USE 2Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by an action in the Simple Future. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
EXAMPLES:
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.
At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Future a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin. In the Future Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
EXAMPLES:
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to eat dinner.
I am going to start eating at 6 p.m.
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.
I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 6 p.m. .
USE 3Parallel Actions
When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. These are Parallel Actions.
EXAMPLES:
I am going to be studying while he is making dinner.
While Ellen is reading, Tim will be watching television.
Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE 4Atmosphere
In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the future.
EXAMPLE:
When I arrive at the party everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be dancing. Others are going to be talking. A few people will be eating pizza and several people are going to be drinking beer. They always do the same thing.
IMPORTANTNon-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Future Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Future.
EXAMPLES:
Jane will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct
Jane will be at my house when you arrive. Correct
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMSFuture Continuous
EXAMPLES:
At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be washing the dog. ACTIVE
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dog will be being washed by John. PASSIVE
NOTE: Passive forms of the Future Continuous are not common.
The the door on the freezer had
been open for 24 hours when we discovered
it. All the food had gone bad.
When Juan arrived at the party,
I had already gone home.
These two examples indicate
that one event in the past occurred before
the other.
Note: the bold-face type
indicates the Past Perfect. Use the Past Perfect to indicate the action
that happened first.
5. We also use the
Past Perfect to indicate actions that happen repeatedly
in the past.
He had been to Cairo several times
before he was appointed Public
Affairs Officer
at the Cairo USIA post.
This is something that happened several
times in the past before a different,
more recent, action happened.
Past Perfect Progressive
6. When we speak in
the past perfect progressive, we emphasize the duration
of an event.
The man had been waiting to see
a doctor for two hours.
Walter had been taking Spanish lessons
since he was in high school, so
he should have been pretty good.
The past perfect progressive
also may express an activity in progress for
a reason in the past.
Sandra was exhausted because she
had been running to catch the bus.
The children were dirty because
they had been playing in the mud.
Sometimes we use the Past Perfect
Progressive for minor detective work!
I came home and saw that the pillows
were on the floor, so I knew
that my dog, Homer, had been lying on the sofa.
Mrs. Brown saw cookie crumbs on
the counter, so she knew that
her husband had been snacking.
Forming the Perfect
Tenses
To form the Present Perfect, you
need the past participle form of the verb
preceded
by have or has.
For regular verbs, this is the simple form
plus -ed. Click here to find a very complete list of the
past participles of irregular verbs. .
Regular Verbs:
Irregular Verbs:
I have walked to work this
week.
I have eaten at this restaurant
many times.
Eva has learned the periodic
table of elements.
He's flown American Airlines
every time he's gone to Rome.
Aditya had reminded me twice before I finally fixed the washing
machine.
They had met each other three
years before college.
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
EXAMPLES:
I am going to see a movie when I have finished my homework. Correct
I am going to see a movie when I will have finished my homework. Not Correct
FORMFuture Perfect
[WILL HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]
EXAMPLE:
I will have perfected my English by the time I come back from the U.S.
[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]
EXAMPLE:
I am going to have perfected my English by the time I come back from the US.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect with little or no difference in meaning.
USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Future
The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another action in the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future.
EXAMPLES:
By next November, I will have received my promotion.
By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Future (Non-continuous Verbs)
With Non-continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Future Perfect to show that something will continue up until another action in the future.
EXAMPLES:
I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.
By Monday, Susan is going to have had my book for a week.
ACTIVE / PASSIVEPast Perfect
EXAMPLES:
The Post Office will have returned my package before I can pick it up. ACTIVE
My package will have been returned by the Post Office before I can pick it up. PASSIVE
You can count how many you have.
You can't count how much you have.
chairs
hair
boys
water
computers
coffee
cars
sand
pictures
milk
houses
transportation
pencils
communication
radios
news
newspapers
information
bottles
wine
Some nouns are countable. You can add an s to plural countable
nouns: cars, pencils, boys.
You can add a or an to a singular countable noun: a
car, an egg, a boy. You can use the word many with countable
nouns: many cars.
Some nouns are uncountable (noncount). Uncountable nouns don't
have plurals. You can't add an s to uncountable nouns: information,
transportation, milk. You can't add a or an to uncountable nouns.
You can use much, a lot of, a little with uncountable
nouns: much traffic, a lot of information, a little milk.
With count nouns, you can use certain determiners such as a few
or several. You can also use some. You can also use some
with uncountable nouns, but you cannot use a few or several
with uncountable nouns.
Yes: There were several new chairs in the room.
Yes: There were a few new chairs in the room.
Yes: There were some new chairs in the room.
Yes: There was some new information in the report.
No: There were some new information in the report.
No: There were several new information in the report
No: There was some new informations in the report.
Use a with a singular countable noun, but no article
with plural nouns.
India is a warm country.
India and Mexico are warm countries.
Puna is an intelligent student.
Puna and Maria are intelligent students.
Use the before superlative expressions.
Pluto is the farthest planet from the Sun.
Mario thinks Italy has the best football team.
The most expensive restaurant in town is Le Cirque.
With expressions such as kind of and type of, use the with a statement, but don't use a or an
in a question.
What kind of computer do you have.
He's the type of student that succeeds.
What brand of car do you like?
That's the sort of thing I had in mind.
Use no article with gerunds.
Running is good exercise.
Reading is the best thing to do to improve your writing.
Don't use the with place names. Use the
with names which contain the category.
Hong Kong
the Hudson River
Europe
the Balkan peninsula*
Afganistan
the Panama Canal
Illinois
the Indian Ocean
Here are some exceptions to this rule:
Victoria Falls
Jones Beach
Central Park
Oxford University
Some plurals require the:
the Philippines
the Great Lakes
the Andes
the Antilles
Don't use the with street names:
Macy's Department store is on 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh
Avenue in New York City.
Note: There are many other rules and conventions
for using the, a, and an. It
takes most second-language learners a long time to use them well. The best
we to learn them is to be aware of their use in your reading and as you
hear native-speakers of English talk. Be careful, it is easy to miss a
and the when native speakers talk. They are small sounds
and you will not always hear them.
* Peninsula: an area of land almost
surrounded by water or projecting far into the sea.
1. The simple present is used to describe a present situation. Simple Present, içinde bulunulan anı ifade etmek için kullanılabilir.
I work in Istanbul. (I work now and will work for the future).
He is a hardworking student.
2. The simple present is used to indicate habitual actions or events that regularly happens. Simple present ile alışkanlıklar ve her gün yapılan işler ifade edilebilir. Bu tür cümlelerde genellikle sıklık zarfları (always, usually, generally etc) kullanılır.
She often goes to work late.
The child usually drink milk before going to bed.
3. The simple present is used to express general truths such as scientific fact. Bilimsel gerçekleri ve doğruluğu kanıtlanmış genellemeleri bu tense ile ifade ederiz.
Water freezes at 0 C. (A scientific fact)
Water boils at 100 C.
4. The simple present is also used in expressions like "I think, I know, I see, etc." Ayrıca, "I think, I believe" (sanırım, inanıyorum ki) gibi ifadeler geniş zamanda kullanılabilir.
I think you are a hardworking student. I know you're right.
5. The simple present can also be used to talk about the future.. Gelecekle ilgili veya gelecekte yapılması planlanmış durumlarda kullanılabilir veya gelecekle bağlantılı cümlelerde geniş zaman kullanabiliriz.
You'll succeed if you study harder.
I'll visit Topkapi Palace if I go to Istanbul.
The bus leaves at seven o'clock.
I have an important examination tomorrow.
6. The simple present tense is also used with certain verbs (like, taste, believe, sound, feel, hear, remember, weigh, smell, etc) Şimdiki zamanda kullanılmayan "Non-Progressive Verbs" dediğimiz fiiller vardır. Bu fiiller, geniş zaman ile kullanılabilir. "Like, taste, believe, sound, feel, hear, remember, weigh, smell, love, look, seem, appear, mind, expect, suppose, realize, forget, want, dislike, prefer" gibi fiiller şimdiki zamanda kullanılmayan ancak geniş zamanda kullanılabilen Non-Progressive Fiillerdir.
A. USESimple Past, geçmişte belirli bir zamanda yapılmış eylemleri ifade etmek için kullanılır. "Yesterday, last night, two weeks ago, in 2002" gibi zarflar kullanılabilir.I graduated from the university in 2003.
He came from Berlin last night.Geçmişte belirli bir süre içerisinde devam etmiş olayları, eylemleri anlatmak için kullanılır.
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs inhabited the earth.
They talked to each other during the lesson.
He lived in England for a long time.Geçmişteki alışkanlıkları ifade etmek için yine Simple Past kullanılır. I always wore a khaki cap in the summer.
1. The Simple Past tense is used to talk about completed actions in the past:
2. The Simple Past is used to describe situations which existed for a period of time in the past.
3. It is also used to talk about habits in the past:
He never drank tea.
They generally read several novels in the winter.Hikaye anlatırken olayları ard arda sıraladığımızda kullanırız.He jumped out of bed, ran into the bathroom and slammed the door.
4. It is used to talk about events that happened one after the other:
B. STRUCTURE
Positive Structure:
I
You
He
She
worked
It
We
They
Note: Use second form of Irregular verbs in positive structure of the Past Simple Tense..
(Geçmiş zaman olumlu cümlelerde, düzensiz fiillerin 2. hali kullanılır.)
THE SIMPLE PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE - ŞİMDİKİ ZAMANIN HİKAYESİ
THE SIMPLE PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE - ŞİMDİKİ ZAMANIN HİKAYESİ
A. USE1. The Past Continuous is used to express continuous actions occurring in the past. Past Continuous geçmişte zamanın belirli bir anında devam etmekte olan eylemleri ve olayları ifade etmek için kullanılır. B. STRUCTURE
I was watching TV at home last night.
They were playing football yesterday afternoon.
2. The Past Continuous tense is frequently used to refer to an ongoing action which was taking place when something else occurred in the past. Geçmişte devam etmekte olan bir olay esnasında başka bir eylem gerçekleşirse ve bu olaylar "when" ile kurulmuşsa simple past ve past continuous tense birlikte ifade edilir.
My father was watching TV when I arrived at home.
He was reading book while she was washing the dishes.
1. The Future Continuous is used to indicate that a longer action in the future will be interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Future. This can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time. Future Continuous, gelecekte belirli bir zamanda devam edecek olayları ifade etmek için kullanılır.I will be watching TV when she arrives tonight.
I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when she arrives.
2. The Simple Future is used with the expression "at this time". Bu tense'de kullanılan, diğer zamanlardan farklı bir özellik de "at this time" ın kullanılmasıdır.We will be doing homework at this time tomorrow.
I will be travelling to Paris at this time next week.
A. USE1. The Present Perfect tense is used to express actions which have just or already been completed at the time of speaking or writing. Present Perfect, geçmişte konuşma anına yakın bir zamanda bitmiş ve etkisi hala devam eden eylem veya olaylardan bahsedirken kullanılır. I have done my homework already.
She has answered half the questions.Birinci örnekte, "ödevin çoktan tamamlandığı" vurgulanmakta; ikinci örnekte ise konuşma anında "kişinin soruların yarısını cevapladığı" ve "kalan soruları da cevaplayacağı" ima ediliyor. Geçmişte başlayan bir olayın veya etkilerinin hala devam etmesi halinde Present Perfect kullanılır. Yakın geçmişten bahsederken Present Perfect kullanılır.They've just left.
I've just come! Geçmişte başlamış ve hala devam etmekte olan olayları ifade etmek için Present Perfect kullanılır. Bu anlamı ifade eden cümlelerde "for, since, so far, until now, lately, recently, already, just, yet" gibi zaman zarfları kullanılabilir. I have lived in New York for seven years. (I am still living there.)
I have studied English Language Teaching since 2002. (I am still studying ELT.)
B. STRUCTURE
In the first example, the use of the Present Perfect tense emphasizes the fact that, at the time of speaking or writing, the work has already been completed. In the second example, the use of the Present Perfect indicates that, at the time of speaking or writing, half the questions have been answered.
2. The Present Perfect tense epresses the very recent past.
3. It also tells of a state or situation which has started in the past and is continuing up to now.
Positive Structure:
I
have
You
have
He
has
She
has
worked.
It
has
We
have
They
have
Note: In Present Perfect tense, if the main verb is irregular, its 3rd form should be used.
(Present perfect tense'in olumlu, olumsuz ve soru cümlelerinde, düzensiz fiillerin 3. hali kullanılır.)
A. USEThe past perfect tense is often used in English when we are relating two events which happened in the past. It helps to show which event heppened first. Past Perfect, geçmişte gerçekleşen iki olaydan birinin öncekine kıyasla daha önce gerçekleştiğini ifade etmek için kullanılır.I went to see the movie. We had discussed it in class. (After we disscussed the movie in the class, I went to see the movie.)
I wanted to live in a foreign country, so I applied for a job in Japan. Judy had lived in Japan, so I called her to find out more about the culture and lifestyle there. (Judy didn' live in Japan any longer -- she returned from there before I applied for the job.)B. STRUCTURE
Positive Structure:
I
You
He
She
had
worked.
It
We
They
Note: Use past participle of irregular verbs in both positive, negative structures and questions.
1. The Future Perfect tense is used to refer to a non-continuous action which will be completed by a certain time in the future. Future Perfect, gelecekte belirli bir zamandan önce tamamlanmış olacak eylemleri ifade etmek için future perfect tense kullanılır.
In September, I will have lived in Malatya for four years.
Thomas will have finished the project by Wednesday.
2. By + noun and by the time + sentence are used to express in Future Perfect. Future Perfect ile by, by the time, before, in a week, when gibi zaman bağlaçları sıklıkla kullanılabilir. I will have done my homework by the time he comes.
I will have been awake for 24 hours by 12 o'clock.
1. The Future Perfect Continuous tense is used to express a continuous, action which will be completed by a certain time in the future. Future Perfect Continuous, gelecekte bir eylemin olayın ne kadar süre devam etmekte olduğunu belirtmek için kullanılır.
When we arrive in Izmir, we will have been driving for 17 hours.
By the time the match starts, we will have been waiting here for three hours.
1. The Future Going to is used to talk about a future intention when a decision has already been made and also used to talk about future predictions when there is evidence that something is going to happen.
Be Going To'nun "going" ile hiç bir alakası yoktur ve her zaman "be" ile kullanılır. Yapılması önceden planlanmış eylemleri "Be Going To" ile ifade edebiliriz. Ayrıca gelecekte olması kesin bir durumu ifade ederken yine "Be Going To" kullanılır. Ancak, gelecekle ilgili bir durumu tahmin ediyorsak veya tahminde bulunuyorsak, Will veya Be Going To her ikisi de kullanılabilir.
I feel terrible. I think I'm going to faint.
They're going to meet us in the cafe after the lesson
Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.
According to the weather report, it will / is going to be rainy tomorrow.
We are going to meet each other tonight at 6:00 PM. (Plan)
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii. (Plan)
The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year. (Prediction)
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. (An example for passives)
1. The Present Perfect Continuous tense is used to express continuous, ongoing actions which started in the past and are still going on: Present Perfect Continuous, geçmişte belirli bir zamanda başlamış olan ve konuşma sırasında da devam eden eylemleri anlatmak için kullanılır. "For, since, ever since, all day, all week, all year" gibi zaman zarfları bu anlamdaki cümlelerde sıkça kullanılır.I have been waiting for her since seven o'clock. (and I'm still waiting for her.)
We have been running for 15 minutes! Let's have a rest here.
Sentences can be active or passive. Therefore, tenses also have "Active Forms" and "Passive Forms". You must learn to recognize the difference to successfully speak English.
ACTIVE FORM
In active sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing receiving the action is the object. Most sentences are active.
The professor teaches the students.
(subject) (active verb) (object)
(doing action) (receiving action)
John washes the dishes.
(subject) (active verb) (object)
(doing action) (receiving action)
PASSIVE FORM
In some sentences, speakers use the passive form. In the passive form, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing doing the action is optionally included at the end of the sentence. You can use the passive form if you think the thing receiving the action is more important or should be emphasized.
Bu tense ile genelde yapılan işler, alışkanlıklar ve bilimsel gerçeklikler ifade edilir.
The Simple Past Tense
We took an exam last week.
He did not come to school yesterday.
Did you take an exam yesterday?
Geçmişte belirli bir zaman diliminde yapılan eylemleri anlatmak için kullanılır.
Future Tense
He will visit Topkapi Palace next week.
I will not come to the meeting next week.
Will you come to Turkey this year?
Gelecekle ilgili şuan verilen kararları ve tahminleri ifade ederken bu "tense" kullanılır.
The Present Continuous Tense
I'm studying English now.
It is not snowing outside now.
Why are you doing that?
Şuan (içinde bulunduğumuz anda) yapmakta olduğumuz eylemleri anlatmak için kullanılır.
The Past Continuous Tense
He was reading a novel when I came to the house.
It was not raining when we arrived at home.
What was he doing when we were not at home.
Bu "tense"i geçmişte belli bir noktada yapmakta olduğumuz eylemleri anlatırken kullanırız.
The Future Continuous Tense
She will be sleeping when you arrive at home.
I will not be living in Ankara this time next year.
What will you be doing this time next year?
Gelecekte bir noktada yapıyor olacağınız eylemleri "Future Continuous" ile anlatırsınız.
Future Going to
He is going to visit his uncle in Canada next week.
I'm not going to have a holiday this summer.
Are you going to study it?
Gelecekle ilgili planları bu "tense" ile ifade edilir.
The Present Perfect Tense
I have seen you two times this week.
I have not been to England.
How long have you been to Canada.
1) Yakın geçmişte başlayıp sonuçları veya etkileri hala devam eden eylemler için bu "tense" kullanılır.
2) Geçmişte gerçekleşen bir olay zaman vermeden ifade ediliyorsa yine bu "tense" kullanılır.
The Past Perfect Tense
I had already seen that.
I had not finished my exam paper when the bell rang.
Had you ever seen me before?
Geçmişte bir eylemden daha önce gerçekleşmiş başka bir eylemden söz ediliyorsa "Past Perfect" kullanılır.
The Future Perfect Tense
I will have graduated from university in two years.
She will not have finished her work by the time he comes back.
How long will he have lived in London by the end of next spring?
Gelecekte bir noktada yapmış veya tamamlamış olacağımız eylemler bu "tense" ile ifade edilebilir.
The Present Perfect Continuous Tense
I have been studying French for five hours.
I have not been watching TV for three hours.
How long have you been studying English?
Bu "tense" ile geçmişte başlayıp şuan hala devam etmekte olan eylemler anlatılır.
The Past Perfect Continuous Tense
He had been sleeping for hours when the doorbell rang suddenly.
The party had been going on for two hours when they began quarrelling.
How long had he been sleeping when we arrived?
Geçmişte bir zaman diliminde başlayıp, yine geçmişte bir noktada biten eylemler bu "tense" ile ifade edilir.
The Future Perfect Continuous Tense
I will have been studying for two hours when you come back.
They will not have been watching TV for three hours by the time he goes out.
How long will you have been studying lesson by the time you take the examination?
Gelecekte bir eylemi ne kadar zamandır yapıyor olacağınızı bu "tense" ile ifade edersiniz.
