English Tenses

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English Tenses – Examples
Explanation Past Present Future
Simple Past Simple Present Future I Simple
action that takes He played football He plays football He will / is going

place once, never every Tuesday. every Tuesday. to play football
or several times every Tuesday.
actions that He played football He plays football He will play
happen one after and then he went and then he goes football and then
another home. home. he will go home.
state He loved football. He loves football. He will love
football.
Past Progressive Present Future I

Progressive Progressive
action going on at He was playing He is playing He will be playing
that moment football. football. football.
actions taking He was playing He is playing He will be playing
place at the same football and she football and she is football and she
time was watching. watching. will be watching.
Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II Simple

Simple Simple
action taking place He had won five He has won five He will have won
before a certain matches until that matches so far. five matches by
moment in time; day. then.
emphasises the
result
Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II

Progressive Progressive Progressive
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action taking place He had been He has been He will have been
before a certain playing football playing football playing football
moment in time for ten years. for ten years. for ten years.
(and beyond),
emphasises the
duration
Table of English Tenses
Signal
tense Affirmative/Negative/Question Use
Words
action in the always,

Simple A: He speaks. every …,
present taking place
Present N: He does not speak. never,
once, never or
Q: Does he speak? normally,
several times
facts often,
actions taking seldom,
place one after sometimes,
another usually
if sentences
action set by a
type I (If I
timetable or
talk, …)
schedule
Present A: He is speaking. action taking at the
Progressive N: He is not speaking. place in the moment,
Q: Is he speaking? moment of just, just
speaking now,
action taking Listen!,
place only for a Look!, now,
limited period of right now
time
action
arranged for the
future
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Simple Past A: He spoke. action in the yesterday, 2

N: He did not speak. past taking place minutes
Q: Did he speak? once, never or ago, in
several times 1990, the
actions taking other day,
place one after last Friday
another if sentence
action taking type II (If I
place in the middle talked, …)
of another action
Past A: He was speaking. action going when,
Progressive N: He was not speaking. on at a certain time while, as
Q: Was he speaking? in the past long as
actions taking
place at the same
time
action in the
past that is
interrupted by
another action
Present A: He has spoken. putting already,
Perfect N: He has not spoken. emphasis on the ever, just,
Simple Q: Has he spoken? result never, not
action that is yet, so far,
still going on till now, up
action that to now
stopped recently
finished action
that has an influence
on the present
action that has
taken place once,
never or several
times before the
moment of speaking
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Present A: He has been speaking. putting all day, for

Perfect N: He has not been speaking. emphasis on the 4 years,
Progressive Q: Has he been speaking? course or duration since 1993,
(not the result) how long?,
action that the whole
recently stopped or week
is still going on
finished action
that influenced the
present
Past Perfect A: He had spoken. action taking already,
Simple N: He had not spoken. place before a just, never,
Q: Had he spoken? certain time in the not yet,
past once, until
sometimes that day
interchangeable if sentence
with past perfect type III (If I
progressive had
putting talked, …)
emphasis only on
the fact (not the
duration)
Past Perfect A: He had been speaking. action taking for, since,
Progressive N: He had not been speaking. place before a the whole
Q: Had he been speaking? certain time in the day, all day
past
sometimes
interchangeable
with past perfect
simple
putting
emphasis on the
duration or course
of an action
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Future I A: He will speak. action in the in a year,

Simple N: He will not speak. future that cannot be next …,
Q: Will he speak? influenced tomorrow
spontaneous If-Satz Typ
decision I (If you ask
assumption her, she will
with regard to the help you.)
future assumption:
I think,
probably,
we
might …,
perhaps
Future I A: He is going to speak. decision made in one year,
Simple N: He is not going to speak. for the future next week,
(going to) Q: Is he going to speak? conclusion tomorrow
with regard to the
future
Future I A: He will be speaking. action that is in one year,
Progressive N: He will not be speaking. going on at a certain next week,
Q: Will he be speaking? time in the future tomorrow
action that is
sure to happen in the
near future
Future II A: He will have spoken. action that by Monday,
Simple N: He will not have spoken. will be finished at a in a week
Q: Will he have spoken? certain time in the
future
Future II A: He will have been action taking for …, the
Progressive speaking. place before a last couple
N: He will not have been certain time in the of hours, all
speaking. future day long
Q: Will he have been putting
speaking? emphasis on the
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course of an action
Conditional A: He would speak. action that if sentences
I Simple N: He would not speak. might take place type II
Q: Would he speak? (If I were
you, I
would go
home.)
Conditional A: He would be speaking. action that
I N: He would not be speaking. might take place
Progressive Q: Would he be speaking? putting
emphasis on the
course / duration
of the action
Conditional A: He would have spoken. action that if sentences
II Simple N: He would not have spoken. might have taken type III
Q: Would he have spoken? place in the past (If I had
seen that, I
would have
helped.)
Conditional A: He would have been action that
II speaking. might have taken
Progressive N: He would not have been place in the past
speaking. puts emphasis
Q: Would he have been on the course /
speaking? duration of the
action
English Tenses – Graphic Comparison

Problems with the English tenses? Have a look at the time line, it might help you
understand when to use which tense. As there is a similarity between past, present
and future tenses, there are just a few rules to keep in mind.
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If you know how to use the present progressive correctly to express present
actions, you will as well be able to use the past progressive correctly to express
past actions.
→ Legend
Legend
 action that takes place once, never or several times
 actions that happen one after another
moment in time  actions that suddenly take place
 action that started before a certain moment and lasts
beyond that moment
period of time
 actions taking place at the same time
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 action taking place before a certain moment in time

Result  puts emphasis on the result
 action taking place before a certain moment in time
Course /  puts emphasis on the course or duration of the action
Duration
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Simple Past (Past Simple)

Exercises on Simple Past
The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several
times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the
middle of another action.
Form of Simple Past
Positive Negative Question
no differences I spoke. I did not speak. Did I speak?
For irregular verbs, use the past form (see list of irregular verbs, 2nd column). For
regular verbs, just add “ed”.
Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’
Exceptions in spelling when adding ed Example
after a final e only add d love – loved
final consonant after a short, stressed vowel admit – admitted

or l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled travel – travelled
final y after a consonant becomes i hurry – hurried
Use of Simple Past

 action in the past taking place once, never or several times
Example: He visited his parents every weekend.
 actions in the past taking place one after the other
Example: He came in, took off his coat and sat down.
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 action in the past taking place in the middle of another action

Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.
 if sentences type II (If I talked, …)
Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you.
Signal Words of Simple Past
 yesterday, 2 minutes ago, in 1990, the other day, last Friday
 If-Satz Typ II (If I talked, …)
Simple Present (Present Simple) - Introduction

Simple present is also called present simple.
The simple present expresses an action in the present taking place once, never or
several times. It is also used for actions that take place one after another and for
actions that are set by a timetable or schedule. The simple present also expresses
facts in the present.
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Simple Present - Form

be
Use:
 am with the personal pronoun II
 is with the personal pronouns he, she or it (or with the singular form of
nouns)
 are with the personal pronouns we, you or they (or with the plural form of
nouns)
example: I am hungry.
affirmative negative question
I I am. I am not. Am I?
he/she/it He is. He is not. Is he?
you/we/they You are. You are not. Are you?
Exercise on simple present with 'be'

have
Use:
 have with the personal pronouns I, you, we und they (or with the plural form
of nouns)
 has with the personal pronouns he, she, it (or with the singular form of
nouns)
example: I have a dog. / I have got a dog.
'have got' is mainly used in British English. You can also use 'have' on its own
(especially in American English). In this case, however, you must form negative
sentences and questions with the auxiliary verb 'do' (see 'All other verbs').
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positiv negativ question
I/you/we/they I have got. / I have. I have not got. / I do Have I got? / Do I

not have. have?
he/she/it He has got. / He He has not got. / He Has he got? / Does

has. does not have. he have?
Simple Present - Exceptions in Spelling

The 3rd person singular is usually formed by adding s. But there are a few
exceptions to the rule:
Animation on exceptions in spelling when adding 's'
The verbs can, may, might, must remain the same in all forms. So don't add s.
example: he can, she may, it must
Verbs ending in o or a sibilant (ch, sh, s, x) add es instead of s.

example: do - he does, wash - she washes
A final y after a consonant becomes ie before s.

example: worry - he worries
But: A final y after a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) is not modified.
example: play - he plays
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Simple Present - Short Forms
affirmative negative
I am English. = I'm English. I am not English. = I'm not English.
We are English.= We're We are not English. = We're not / We aren't

English. English.
He is English. = He's English. He is not English. = He's not / He isn't English.
I have got a dog. = I've got a I have not got a dog. = I've not got a dog. / I
dog. haven't got a dog.
He has got a dog. = He's got a He has not got a dog. = He's not got a dog. / He
dog. hasn't got a dog.
I do not play tennis. = I don't play tennis
He does not play tennis = He doesn't play tennis.
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Simple Present - Use

facts (something is generally known to be true)
The sun never sets in the east or south or north,
but always in the west.
Exercise
The sun sets in the west.

action in the present taking place once, never or several times
Colin plays football regularly - every Tuesday.
In English, signal words are often used, e.g.:
always, never, seldom, often, regularly, every
Monday.
Exercise
Colin always plays soccer

on Tuesdays.
actions in the present taking place one after another
First one action takes place and then the other.
Exercise
She takes her bag and

leaves.
action set by a time table or schedule
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Although the action takes place in the future, it

takes place regularly and is set by a time table.
Exercise
The train leaves at 9 pm.

verbs expressing states, possession, senses, emotions and mental
activity
When you love someone, that's a state, a fact or
emotion, but not an action (like running for
example). Whenever you want to express a
state, possession, sense or emotions, use the
simple form (not the progressive). The
following words all belong to this group:
I love her. be (state)
believe (mental activity)
belong (possession)
hate (feeling and emotion)
hear (senses)
like (feeling and emotion)
love (feeling and emotion)
mean (mental activity)
prefer (mental activity)
remain (state)
realize (mental activity)
see (senses)
seem (feeling and emotion)
smell (senses)
think (mental activity)
understand (mental activity)
want (feeling and emotion)
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wish (feeling and emotion)
Simple Present - Signal Words

 always
 every ...
 often
 normally
 usually
 sometimes
 seldom
 never
Simple Present - Summary

Form
be
I I am. I am not. Am I?
he/she/it He is. He is not. Is he?
you/we/they You are. You are not. Are you?
have
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I/you/we/they I have got. / I have. I have not got. / I do Have I got? / Do I

not have. have?
he/she/it He has got. / He He has not got. / He Has he got? / Does

has. does not have. he have?
other verbs
I/you/we/they I play. I do not play. Do I play?
he/she/it He plays. He does not play. Does he play?
Exceptions in Spelling
Exception Example
The verbs can, may, might, must remain the same in he can, she may, it must
all forms. So don't add s.
Verbs ending in o or a sibilant (ch, sh, s, x) add es do - he does, wash - she

instead of s. washes
A final y after a consonant becomes ie before s. (but: worry - he worries (but:

don't modify y after a vowel) play - he plays)
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Short Forms
I am English. = I'm English. I am not English. = I'm not English.
We are English.= We're We are not English. = We're not / We aren't

English. English.
He is English. = He's English. He is not English. = He's not / He isn't English.
I have got a dog. = I've got a I have not got a dog. = I've not got a dog. / I
dog. haven't got a dog.
He has got a dog. = He's got a He has not got a dog. = He's not got a dog. / He
dog. hasn't got a dog.
I do not play tennis. = I don't play tennis
He does not play tennis = He doesn't play tennis.
Use
Use Example
action in the present taking place once, never or Colin always plays soccer
several times on Tuesdays.
actions in the present taking place one after another She takes her bag and
leaves.
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facts (something is generally known to be true) The sun sets in the west.
action set by a timetable or schedule The train leaves at 9 pm.
verbs of possession, senses, emotions and mental I love her.

activity
Typical Signal Words

 always
 every ...
 often
 normally
 usually
 sometimes
 seldom
 never
Future I Simple will

Exercises on Future I Simple with will
Will future expresses a spontaneous decision, an assumption with regard to the
future or an action in the future that cannot be influenced.
Form of will Future
positive negative question
no differences I will speak. I will not speak. Will I speak?
Use of will Future

 a spontaneous decision
example: Wait, I will help you.
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 an opinion, hope, uncertainty or assumption regarding the future

example: He will probably come back tomorrow.
 a promise
example: I will not watch TV tonight.
 an action in the future that cannot be influenced
example: It will rain tomorrow.
 conditional clauses type I
example: If I arrive late, I will call you.
Signal Words
 in a year, next …, tomorrow
 Vermutung: I think, probably, we might …, perhaps
Past Progressive (Past Continuous)

Exercises on Past Progressive
The past progressive puts emphasis on the course of an action in the past.
Form
I / he / she / it I was speaking. I was not speaking. Was I speaking?
you / we / You were You were not Were you

they speaking. speaking. speaking?
Exceptions in spelling when adding ing Example
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final e is dropped (but: ee is not changed) come – coming

(but: agree –
agreeing)
after a short, stressed vowel, the final consonant is doubled sit – sitting
l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled (in British travel – travelling

English)
final ie becomes y lie – lying
Use of Past Progressive

 puts emphasis on the course of an action in the past
Example: He was playing football.
 two actions happening at the same time (in the past)
Example: While she was preparing dinner, he was washing the dishes.
 action going on at a certain time in the past
Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.
Signal Words of Past Progressive
 when, while, as long as
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Present Progressive - Introduction

The present progressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action.
The present progressive is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking
and for actions taking place only for a short period of time. It is also used to
express development and actions that are arranged for the near future.
Present progressive is also known as present continuous.
Present Progressive - Form

Use a form of to be and the infinite verb plus -ing.
Animation: form
Use:
 am with the personal pronoun I
 is with the personal pronouns he, she or it (or the singular form of nouns)
 are with the personal pronouns you, we, they (or the plural form of nouns)
I I am playing. I am not playing. Am I playing?
he, she, it He is playing. He is not playing. Is he playing?
you, we, they You are playing. You are not playing. Are you
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playing?
Present Progressive - Exceptions in Spelling

Animation: exceptions in spelling
A single, silent e at the end of the word is dropped before ing.

example: come - coming
I am coming home. You are coming home. He is coming home.
But: ee at the end of the word is not changed

example: agree - agreeing
The final consonant after a short, stressed vowel is doubled before ing.
example: sit - sitting
I am sitting on the sofa. You are sitting on the sofa. He is sitting on the sofa.
The letter l as final consonant after a vowel is always doubled before ing.
example: travel - travelling
I am travelling around. You are travelling around. He is travelling around.
Mind: This applies only for British English; in American English there is usually
only one l.
An ie at the end of a word becomes y before ing.

example: lie - lying
I am lying in bed. You are lying in bed. He is lying in bed.
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Present Progressive - Short Forms
I am playing. - I'm playing. I am not playing. - I'm not playing.
He is playing. - He's He is not playing. - He's not playing. / He isn't

playing. playing.
We are playing. - We're We are not playing. - We're not playing. /We aren't
playing. playing.
Present Progressive - Use

Actions taking place at the moment of speaking (now)
The action is going on now.
Signal words like now, at the moment are often
used to emphasise that the action is taking place
at the moment of speaking. Signal words are not
really necessary, however, as this is already
expressed by the tense itself.
He is playing football.
Exercise
Arrangements for the near future

In the example you can see that the tickets are
already bought. So we are talking about an
arrangement for the near future.
To make clear that the action is not going on
now, we usually use signal words like tonight,
I'm going to the theatre
tomorrow, next Friday, at noon.
tonight.
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Exercise
Actions taking place only for a limited period of time

Here we are talking about a time limit. Jim does
not usually work in the firm, he is still at school
and wants to earn some extra money during his
holidays.
To make clear that there is a time limit, we
usually use signal words, e.g. this
Jim is helping in his week/month/year.
brother's firm this week. Exercise
Actions taking place around now (but not at the moment of speaking)
This action takes place around now and only for

a limited period of time, but not at the moment
of speaking.
We don't have to use signal words here, but we
often find signal words in such sentences, e.g.
now, at the moment.
I'm studying for my Exercise
exams.
Development, changing situations
The sentence describes a development from one
situation to another.
Signal words are not that common here, only
sometimes the change of situation is emphasised
by using for example more and more.
Exercise
The population of China is
rising very fast.
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Present Progressive - Signal Words
Actions taking place at the moment of speaking (now)

 at the moment
 now / just now / right now
 Listen!
 Look!
Arrangements for the near future

 in the morning / in the afternoon / in the evening
 at noon / tonight
 tomorrow
 next ...
Actions taking place only for a limited period of time

 this week / this month / this year
Actions taking place around now (but not at the moment of speaking)
 at the moment
Development, changing situations

 more and more
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Present Progressive - Summary

Form
I I am playing. I am not playing. Am I playing?
he, she, it He is playing. He is not playing. Is he playing?
you, we, they You are playing. You are not playing. Are you
playing?
Exeption Example
silent e is dropped before ing (but: ee is not come - coming (but: agree -
changed) agreeing)
final consonant after short, stressed vowel is sit - sitting

doubled
final consonant l after vowel is always doubled (in travel - travelling

British English)
ie becomes y before ing lie - lying
Short Forms
positiv negativ
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I am playing. - I'm playing. I am not playing. - I'm not playing.
He is playing. - He's He is not playing. - He's not playing. / He isn't

playing. playing.
We are playing. - We're We are not playing. - We're not playing. /We aren't
playing. playing.
Use
Use Example
actions taking place at the moment of speaking He is playing football.

(now)
arrangements for the near future I'm going to the theatre tonight.
actions taking place only for a limited period of Jim is helping in his brother's
time firm this week.
actions taking place around now (but not at the I'm studying for my exams.
moment of speaking)
development, changing situations The population of China is

rising very fast.
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Typical Signal Words

 at the moment
 Listen!
 Look!
Future I Progressive (Future I Continuous)

Future I progressive puts emphasis on the course of an action taking place in the
future.
Form
 A: He will be talking.
 N: He will not be talking.
 Q: Will he be talking?
Use
 action that is going on at a certain time in the future
 action that is sure to happen in the near future
Signal Words
 in one year, next week, tomorrow
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Past Perfect Simple

Exercises on Past Perfect Simple
The past perfect simple expresses an action taking place before a certain time in
the past.
Form of Past Perfect Simple
no differences I had spoken. I had not spoken. Had I spoken?
For irregular verbs, use the past participle form (see list of irregular verbs, 3rd
column). For regular verbs, just add ed.
Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ed
Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ed Example
after final e, only add d love – loved

Use of Past Perfect

 action taking place before a certain time in the past
(putting emphasis only on the fact, not the duration)
Example: Before I came here, I had spoken to Jack.
 Conditional Sentences Type III (condition that was not given in the past)
Example: If I had seen him, I would have talked to him.
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Signal Words
 already, just, never, not yet, once, until that day (with reference to the past,
not the present)
 If-Satz Typ III (If I had talked, …)
Exceptions in Spelling when adding ed

Write the participle form (3rd form) of the regular verbs. Note the exceptions in
spelling when adding ed.
1. push - pushed
2. carry - carried
3. cycle - cycled
4. drop - dropped
5. follow - followed
6. play - played
7. empty - emptied
8. close - closed
9. dial - dialled
10. sail - sailed
Positive Sentences in Past Perfect Simple

Write the verbs in Past Perfect Simple.
1. The pupils talked about the film they had watched .
2. I was late for work because I had missed the bus.
3. We lived in the house that my father had built .
4. We admired the picture that Lucy had painted .
5. They watered the trees that they had planted .
6. The teacher corrected the tests that the pupils had written .
7. I received a good mark in my test because I had practised on ego4u.
8. The mail order house did not send me the shirt that I had ordered .
9. I had to clean the floor because my cats had knocked over the flower pots.
10. My friend was in hospital because she had slipped on a banana skin.
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Negative Sentences in Past Perfect Simple

Write the verbs in Past Perfect Simple. Use the negative form.
1. In the shopping centre, I met a friend who I had not seen for ages.
2. The thief could walk right into the house because you had not locked the
door.
3. We lost the match because we had not practised the days before.
4. At school, Jim quickly copied the homework that he had not done .
5. We ate at a restaurant last night because I had not bought anything for
dinner.
6. When we came back, it was cold in the house because Alice had not closed
the windows.
7. All day long, Phil was angry with me just because I had not greeted him
first.
8. When I met Jane at eleven o’clock, she had not had breakfast yet.
9. I couldn’t go to the cinema with my friends last night because I had not
finished my homework yet.
10. Fred answered my question although I had not asked him.
Questions in Past Perfect Simple

Complete the questions in Past Perfect Simple.
1. What had Bob done that he was kept in after school?
2. Had you eaten anything before you went to the theatre?
3. Had he lived in London before he moved to Glasgow?
4. Had she found a new job by that time?
5. Had they booked a room before they went to Dublin?
6. How often had you rung the bell before he answered the door?
7. Why had they had dinner before they came to the party?
8. Had Carly washed the dishes when her mum came home?
9. Had you read the contract before you signed it?
10. Who had lived in the house before we moved in?
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Put the verbs into the correct form (past perfect simple).
1. The storm destroyed the sandcastle that we had built .
2. He had not been to Cape Town before 1997.
3. When she went out to play, she had already done her homework.
4. My brother ate all of the cake that our mum had made .
5. The doctor took off the plaster that he had put on six weeks before.
6. The waiter brought a drink that I had not ordered .
7. I could not remember the poem we had learned the week before.
8. The children collected the chestnuts that had fallen from the tree.
9. Had he phoned Angie before he went to see her in London?
10. She had not ridden a horse before that day.
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Present Perfect Simple

Exercises on Present Perfect
The present perfect simple expresses an action that is still going on or that stopped
recently, but has an influence on the present. It puts emphasis on the result.
Form of Present Perfect
I / you / we / they I have spoken. I have not spoken. Have I spoken?
he / she / it He has spoken. He has not spoken. Has he spoken?
For irregular verbs, use the participle form (see list of irregular verbs, 3rd
column). For regular verbs, just add “ed”.
Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’
Exceptions in spelling when adding ed Example
after a final e only add d love – loved

Use of Present Perfect

 puts emphasis on the result
Example: She has written five letters.
 action that is still going on
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Example: School has not started yet.

 action that stopped recently
Example: She has cooked dinner.
 finished action that has an influence on the present
Example: I have lost my key.
 action that has taken place once, never or several times before the moment
of speaking
Example: I have never been to Australia.
Signal Words of Present Perfect
 already, ever, just, never, not yet, so far, till now, up to now
Exceptions in Spelling when adding ‚ed‘

Write the participle form (3rd form) of the regular verbs. Note the exceptions in
spelling when adding ‚ed‘.
1. use - used
2. try - tried
3. carry - carried
4. dance - danced
5. cycle - cycled
6. travel - travelled
have or has
Fill the gaps with 'have' or 'has'.
1. I have answered the question.
2. She has opened the window.
3. They have called us.
4. You have carried a box.
5. It has rained a lot.
6. We have washed the car.
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7. He has closed the window.

8. Jenny has locked the door.
9. The girls have visited the museum.
10. John and Sophie have helped in the garden
Positive Sentences in Present Perfect Simple

Write positive sentences in present perfect simple
The following people have just completed an action.
1. Bob has visited his grandma.
2. Jimmy has played on the computer.
3. Sue and Walter have washed their car.
4. Andrew has repaired his bike.
5. Phil has helped Anne with maths.
6. Brad and Louise have watched a film.
7. Tamara has talked to her best friend.
8. Bridgette has drawn a picture.
9. Carol has read a computer magazine.
10. Tom and Alice have been to a restaurant.
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Future II Simple
Future II Simple expresses an action that will be finished at a certain time in the
future.
Form
 A: He will have talked.
 N: He will not have talked.
 Q: Will he have talked?
Use
 action that will be finished at a certain time in the future
Signal Words
 by Monday, in a week
Past Perfect Progressive (Past Perfect Continuous)

The past perfect progressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action
taking place before a certain time in the past.
Form
 A: He had been talking.
 N: He had not been talking.
 Q: Had he been talking?
Use
 action taking place before a certain time in the past
 sometimes interchangeable with past perfect simple
 puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action
signal words
 for, since, the whole day, all day
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Present Perfect Progressive

Present Perfect Continuous
Exercises on Present Perfect Progressive
The present perfect progressive expresses an action that recently stopped or is still
going on. It puts emphasis on the duration or course of the action.
Form of Present Perfect Progressive
I / you / we / I have been I have not been Have I been

they speaking. speaking. speaking?
he / she / it He has been He has not been Has he been

speaking. speaking. speaking?
Exceptions in spelling when adding ing Example
final e is dropped come – coming

(but: ee is not changed) (but: agree –
agreeing)
after a short, stressed vowel, the final consonant is doubled sit – sitting
l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled (in British travel – travelling

English)
final ie becomes y lie – lying
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Use of Present Perfect Progressive

 puts emphasis on the duration or course of an action (not the result)
Example: She has been writing for two hours.
 action that recently stopped or is still going on
Example: I have been living here since 2001.
 finished action that influenced the present
Example: I have been working all afternoon.
Signal Words of Present Perfect Progressive
 all day, for 4 years, since 1993, how long?, the whole week
Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ing

Write the “ing” form of the verbs. Note the excepitons in spelling when adding
“ing”.
1. run → running
2. arrive → arriving
3. chat → chatting
4. sit → sitting
5. lie → lying
6. move → moving
7. cycle → cycling
8. travel → travelling
9. tie → tying
10. dial → dialling
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Have or Has?
Decide whether to use “have” or “has”.
1. She has been asking questions all day long.
2. They have been climbing the mountain.
3. We have been washing the dishes.
4. You have been repairing your computer.
5. I have been working.
6. It has been snowing.
7. The boy has been playing.
8. Caty has been dreaming.
9. The men have been digging a hole.
10. Cindy and Bob have been studying English.
 since – if the starting point is given (two o’clock, last Friday, 1998)
 for – if the period of time is given (twenty minutes, two days, one year)
Decide whether you have to use “since” or “for”.
1. I have been waiting since 4 o’clock.
2. Sue has only been waiting for 20 minutes.
3. Tim and Tina have been learning English for six years.
4. Fred and Frida have been learning French since 1998.
5. Joe and Josephine have been going out together since Valentine’s Day.
6. I haven’t been on holiday since last July.
7. Mary has been saving her money for many years.
8. I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.
9. You have been watching TV for hours.
10. We have been living here for 2 months
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Exercise on Present Perfect Progressive

Positive Sentences
Write positive sentences in present perfect progressive.
1. Albert / squash / play → Albert has been playing squash.
2. Hannah / the match / watch → Hannah has been watching the match.
3. we / in the park / wait → We have been waiting in the park.
4. you / a song / sing → You have been singing a song.
5. I / a magazine / read → I have been reading a magazine.
6. it / rain / all day → It has been raining all day.
7. Phil and Greg / a race / run → Phil and Greg have been running a race.
8. she / her teeth / brush → She has been brushing her teeth.
9. the Millers / in London / live / for three years → The Millers have been
living in London for three years.
10. we / on the lake / sail → We have been sailing on the lake.

Negative Sentences
Write negative sentences in present perfect progressive.
1. we / not / in the mountains / walk → We have not been walking in the
mountains.
2. Beatrice / not / in Boston / teach → Beatrice has not been teaching in
Boston.
3. Ricky / not / the car / wash → Ricky has not been washing the car.
4. she / not / a poem / write → She has not been writing a poem.
5. we / not / tea / drink → We have not been drinking tea.
6. we / not / our rooms / clean → We have not been cleaning our rooms.
7. the children / not / on the floor / sleep → The children have not been
sleeping on the floor.
8. Jeff and Linda / not / cycle → Jeff and Linda have not been cycling.
9. Christine / not / her home / decorate → Christine has not been decorating her
home.
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10. the cat / not / on the chair / lie / all day → The cat has not been lying on the
chair all day.
Questions
Write questions in present perfect progressive.
1. she / on the phone / talk → Has she been talking on the phone?
2. his brother / dinner / cook → Has his brother been cooking dinner?
3. Jane and Mary / badminton / play → Have Jane and Mary been playing
badminton?
4. Sue / in the gym / exercise → Has Sue been exercising in the gym?
5. Robert / the room / paint → Has Robert been painting the room?
6. they / trees / plant → Have they been planting trees?
7. Henry / in the garage / work → Has Henry been working in the garage?
8. they / in the lake / swim → Have they been swimming in the lake?
9. how long / Boris / English / learn → How long has Boris been learning
English?
10. how long / you / for me / wait → How long have you been waiting for me?

Put the verbs into the correct form (present perfect progressive).
1. He has been working in this company since 1985.
2. I have been waiting for you since two o'clock.
3. Mary has been living in Germany since 1992.
4. Why is he so tired? He has been playing tennis for five hours.
5. How long have you been learning English?
6. We have been looking for the motorway for more than an hour.
7. I have been living without electricity for two weeks.
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8. The film has not been running for ten minutes yet, but there's a commercial
break already.
9. How long has she been working in the garden?
10. She has not been in the garden for more than an hour.
Future II Progressive (Future II Continuous)

Future II progressive puts emphasis on the course / duration of an action taking
place before a certain time in the future. It can also be used to express an
assumption regarding a future action.
Future II progressive is not used very often as it can usually be replaced by future
II simple.
Form
 A: He will have been talking.
 N: He will not have been talking.
 Q: Will he have been talking?
Use
 action taking place before a certain time in the future
 puts emphasis on the course of an action
Signal Words
 for ..., the last couple of hours, all day long
Exercise on Future II Progressive
Put the verbs into the correct form (future II progressive).

1. By the end of the week I will have been working here for four months.
2. By the end of this month we will have been living together for six years.
3. By the end of the term she will have been studying for nine years.
4. By midnight we will have been playing this computer game for 48 hours.
5. She will have been talking on the phone for the last couple of hours.
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6. They will have been looking for me all night long.

7. He will have been playing soccer all day long.
8. You will have been watching TV all the time.
9. He will not have been sleeping all morning.
10. Will they have been waiting for 2 hours?
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Easily Confused Words

Both, Either, Neither, Nor and So
Expression Example
both … and … I like both cats and dogs.
so Jane likes cats. So do I.
not … either Jane doesn't like cats. I don't like cats either.
either … or … Jane either has a cat or a dog.
neither/nor Jane doesn't like cats. Neither do I./Nor do I.
neither … nor … I like neither cats nor dogs.
Exercise
Find out why some parents think that their teenage sons or daughters have a lot in
common with cats. (Don't take it too seriously, though.) ;o)
1. Neither cats nor teenagers turn their heads when you call them.
2. You would hardly ever see a cat walking outside of the house with its
master. Nor would you see a teenager in public with his or her parents very often.
3. A cat doesn't share your taste in music. A teenager doesn't either
4. Both cats and teenagers can lie on the sofa for hours on end without moving.
5. Cats expect you to prepare the food for them. So do teenagers.
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6. If you tell a joke, neither your cat nor your teen will laugh about it.
7. If you make a sudden move in their direction, both cats and teenagers get
frightened.
8. Cats do not improve your furniture. Teenagers don't either
9. Cats roam outside and often come home very late at night. So do teenagers.
10. Conclusion: no matter if you either have a cat or a teenager at home - it's all
the same
Exercise on »since« and »for«
- since - if the starting point is given (two o'clock, last Friday, 1998)
- for - if the period of time is given (twenty minutes, two days, one year)
Decide whether to use »since« or »for«.
1. I have been waiting since 4 o'clock.
2. Sue has only been waiting for 20 minutes.
3. Tim and Tina have been learning English for six years.
4. Fred and Frida have been learning French since 1998.
5. Joe and Josephine have been going out together since Valentine's Day.
6. I haven't been on holiday since last July.
7. Mary has been saving her money for many years.
8. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast.
9. You have been watching TV for hours.
10. We have been living here for 2 months.
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Some / any
Exercises on some and any
The words some and any are used for countable and uncountable nouns. In
general, we could say that some means a few / a little and any means none in
negative clauses or a few / a little in questions.
Positive Clauses
In positive clauses, we usually use some.
Example:
I have bought some bread.
I have bought some apples.
Negative Clauses
In negative clauses, we use any. Note, however, that any alone is not a negative -
it must be not ... any
Example:
I have not bought any bread.
I have not bought any apples.
Questions
In questions, we usually use any.
Example:
Have you bought any bread?
Have you bought any apples?
Compound Words with some / any
Some / any can also be part of compound words such as:
 something / anything
 someone / anyone
 somewhere / anywhere
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Note that some / any have to be used with a noun while compound words with
some / any can stand on their own.
Example:
I have bought some bread.
I have bought something.
However, some and any need not stand directly before the noun. Sometimes, the
noun appears somewhere before some or any and is not repeated. So if you are not
sure whether to use some or something for example, check if there is a noun in the
sentence that you can place after some.
Example:
I do not have to buy bread. Rachel has already bought some [bread].
Exceptions
Positive Clauses with Any

We usually use some in positive clauses. But after never, without, hardly, we use
any.
Example:
We never go anywhere.
She did her homework without any help.
There’s hardly anyone here.
Also in if clauses, we usually use any.
Example:
If there is anything to do, just call me.
Questions with Some

We usually use any in questions. But if we expect or want the other to answer
‚yes‘, we use some.
Example:
Have you got any brothers and sisters?
→ some people have brothers or sisters, others don't - we cannot expect the
answer to be ‚yes‘
Would you like some biscuits?
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→ we offer something and want to encourage the other to say ‚ja‘
A Little / A Few
Exercises on A Little and A Few
The expressions a little and a few mean some.
 If a noun is in singular, we use a little
Example:
a little money
 If a noun is in plural, we use a few
Example:
a few friends
Countable / Uncountable Nouns
In connection with a little / a few people often speak of countable nouns and
uncountable nouns.
Countable nouns have a singular and a plural form. In plural, these nouns can be
used with a number (that's why they are called 'countable nouns'). Countable
nouns take a few.
Example:
4 friends – a few friends
Uncountable nouns can only be used in singular. These nouns cannot be used
with a number (that's why they are called 'uncountable nouns'). Uncountable
nouns take a little.
Example:
3 money – a little money
Note: Of course you can count money – but then you would name the currency
and say that you have got 3 euro (but not „3 money“).
A Little / A few or Little / Few
It's a difference if you use a little / a few or little / few. Without the article, the
words have a limiting or negative meaning.
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 a little = some
little = hardly any
Example:
I need a little money. - I need some money.
I need little money. - I need hardly any money.
 a few = some
few = hardly any
Example:
A few friends visited me. - Some friends visited me.
Few friends visited me. - Hardly any friends visited me.
Without the article, little / few sound rather formal. That's why we don't use them
very often in everyday English. A negative sentence with much / many is more
common here.
Example:
I need little money. = I do not need much money.
Few friends visited me. = Not many friends visited me
Much / many
Exercises on much and many
The words much and many mean a lot of.
 If a noun is in singular, we use much
Example:
much money
 If a noun is in plural, we use many
Example:
many friends
Use of much / many
In everyday English, we normally use much / many only in questions and negative
clauses.
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Example:
How much money have you got?
Carla does not have many friends.
In positive clauses with so, as or too, we also use much / many.
Example:
Carla has so many friends.
She has as many friends as Sue.
Kevin has too much money.
In all other positive clauses, however, we prefer expressions like a lot of / lots of.
Example:
Carla has a lot of / lots of friends.
Kevin has a lot of / lots of money.
In formal texts, however, much / many are also common in positive clauses. This
you will notice for example when you read English news.
Countable / Uncountable Nouns
In connection with much / many people often speak of countable nouns and
uncountable nouns.
Countable nouns have a singular and a plural form. In plural, these nouns can be
used with a number (that's why they are called 'countable nouns'). Countable
nouns take many.
Example:
100 friends – many friends
Uncountable nouns can only be used in singular. These nouns cannot be used
with a number (that's why they are called 'uncountable nouns'). Uncountable
nouns take much.
Example:
100 money – much money
Note: Of course you can count money – but then you would name the currency
and say that you have got 5 euro (but not „5 money“).
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Exercise on »who« and »which«

Relative Pronouns
You witnessed a bank robbery and now a police officer wants you to tell him what
was going on. Decide whether to use which or who.
1. This is the bank which was robbed.
2. The man who robbed the bank had two pistols.
3. He wore a mask which made him look like Mickey Mouse.
4. He came with a friend who waited outside in the car.
5. The woman who gave him the money was young.
6. The bag which contained the money was yellow.
7. The people who were in the bank were very frightened.
8. The car which he escaped in was orange.
9. The man who drove the car was nervous.
10. He didn't wait at the traffic lights which were red.
Exercise on 'must not' and 'need not'

- must not - prohibition (it is not allowed)
- need not - option (it is not necessary)
Soccer Rules
Decide whether to use 'must not' or 'need not'.
1. The teams must not have more than 11 players on the field during a match.
2. But there need not even be 11 players playing for each team.
3. Players must not wear anything which might injure another player.
4. Players need not play the ball with their feet only.
5. Substituted players must not return to the game.
6. Players must not leave the game without the referee's permission.
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7. Players must not hold an opponent.

8. The referee need not send a player off if he has committed foul play.
9. However, if a player is sent off during the game, he must not be replaced.
10. A period need not be over after exactly 45 minutes.
Confusing Words
Weather – Whether
Exercise - A Poem about the Weather
 Whether the weather be fine.

 Or whether the weather be not.
 Whether the weather be cold.
 Or whether the weather be hot.
 We'll weather the weather,
 Whatever the weather .
 Whether we like it or not.
Phone Numbers
Each figure is said separately.
24 - two four
The figure 'O' is called oh.
105 - one oh five
Pause after groups of 3 or 4 figures (last group).

376 4705 - three seven six, four seven oh five
If two successive figures are the same, in British English you would usually use
the word double (in American English you would just say the figure twice)
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376 4775 - BE: three seven six, four double seven five
376 4775 - AE: three seven six, four seven seven five
Business-English – Communication
Phone
Anruf entgegennehmen
… (company). Good morning.
… (company). Good afternoon.
… (company). How can I help you?
I'm afraid you have dialled the wrong number.
Who would you like to speak to?
What does it concern, please?
Would you mind telling me what you're calling about?
Hold the line, I'll put you through.
I'll pass you over to … (department).
… is speaking on another line.
… isn't in (yet).
… is away on business.
… is on holiday (this week).
… is out for lunch.
I'm afraid, … is not available at the moment.
… will be back any minute.
I'm sorry, but the line is engaged.
There's no reply.
If you hold the line, I'll try again.
Would you like to hold?
Could you try again later / tomorrow?
Can I take a message?
Would you like to leave a message for …?
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If you give me your phone number, … will call you back.

Could I have your name, please?
Could I help you? / Maybe I can help you?
Anruf tätigen
… here. / … speaking. / This is …
This is … (company), … (name) speaking.
Sorry, I must have dialled the wrong number.
Could I speak to …, please?
Am I speaking to …?
Could you put me through to …, please?
It's about …
I'm calling about …
Could you please tell … I phoned?
Could you give … a message, please?
Could you ask … to call me back?
Do you know when … will be back?
Will … be in the office tomorrow?
I'll try again later / tomorrow.
Maybe you could help me?
Verständndigungsprobleme
My English isn't very good.
The line is bad.
I can hardly hear you.
I didn't get that.
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Could you speak louder, please?
Could you repeat that, please?
Could you spell that, please?
Sorry? / Pardon?
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Presentation
Structure and Content
 Introduction: General information on the topic
Give your listeners an introduction to the topic (some general information) and
explain what exactly you are going to talk about in your presentation.
 Actual Presentation
Subdivide your presentation into several sub-topics.
 Conclusion
Try to find a good conclusion, e.g.:
o an invitation to act
o an acknowledgement
o a motivation
Tips on Giving a Presentation

As listeners cannot take up as many information as readers, keep the following
rules in mind when giving a presentation:
 Keep your sentences short and simple.
 Use standard English, avoid slang and techy language.
 Prefer verbs to nouns (not: The meaning of this is that …, but: This means
that …).
 Use participal constructions sparingly. (In written texts they are often used
to increase the density of information in a sentence. In spoken texts, however,
they make it more difficult for the listeners to follow.)
 Speak clearly and slowly.
 Have little breaks in between the sentences to allow your audience to reflect
on what has been said.
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 Communicate freely (don't read the whole text from a piece of paper).
 Illustrate certain aspects of your presentation with pictures and graphics.
The following tricks will also help you keep your audience's attention:
 Outline to the audience how your presentation is structured. (e.g. I will first
explain ... / Then I will … / After that … / Finally… ).
 Indicate when you come to another sub-topic (I will now talk about …). This
way your audience can follow your presentation more easily.
 Use a rhetorical question or hypophora from time to time. Your listeners will
think that you've asked them a question and thus listen more attentively.
 Use enumerations starting first / second / third. This also draws your
audience's attention.
 A joke or a quotation might also help keeping your audience listening. Don't
overdo it, however. Using too many jokes or quotations might not have the effect
you want.
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Table of English Tenses
Signal
tense Affirmative/Negative/Question Use
Words
action in the always,

Simple A: He speaks. every …,
present taking place
Present N: He does not speak. never,
once, never or
Q: Does he speak? normally,
several times
facts often,
actions taking seldom,
place one after sometimes,
another usually
if sentences
action set by a
type I (If I
timetable or
talk, …)
schedule
Present A: He is speaking. action taking at the
Progressive N: He is not speaking. place in the moment,
Q: Is he speaking? moment of just, just
speaking now,
action taking Listen!,
place only for a Look!, now,
limited period of right now
time
action
arranged for the
future
Simple Past A: He spoke. action in the yesterday, 2
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N: He did not speak. past taking place minutes

Q: Did he speak? once, never or ago, in
several times 1990, the
actions taking other day,
place one after last Friday
another if sentence
action taking type II (If I
place in the middle talked, …)
of another action
Past A: He was speaking. action going when,
Progressive N: He was not speaking. on at a certain time while, as
Q: Was he speaking? in the past long as
actions taking
place at the same
time
action in the
past that is
interrupted by
another action
Present A: He has spoken. putting already,
Perfect N: He has not spoken. emphasis on the ever, just,
Simple Q: Has he spoken? result never, not
action that is yet, so far,
still going on till now, up
action that to now
stopped recently
finished action
that has an influence
on the present
action that has
taken place once,
never or several
times before the
moment of speaking
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Present A: He has been speaking. putting all day, for

Perfect N: He has not been speaking. emphasis on the 4 years,
Progressive Q: Has he been speaking? course or duration since 1993,
(not the result) how long?,
action that the whole
recently stopped or week
is still going on
finished action
that influenced the
present
Past Perfect A: He had spoken. action taking already,
Simple N: He had not spoken. place before a just, never,
Q: Had he spoken? certain time in the not yet,
past once, until
sometimes that day
interchangeable if sentence
with past perfect type III (If I
progressive had
putting talked, …)
emphasis only on
the fact (not the
duration)
Past Perfect A: He had been speaking. action taking for, since,
Progressive N: He had not been speaking. place before a the whole
Q: Had he been speaking? certain time in the day, all day
past
sometimes
interchangeable
with past perfect
simple
putting
emphasis on the
duration or course
of an action
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Future I A: He will speak. action in the in a year,

Simple N: He will not speak. future that cannot be next …,
Q: Will he speak? influenced tomorrow
spontaneous If-Satz Typ
decision I (If you ask
assumption her, she will
with regard to the help you.)
future assumption:
I think,
probably,
we
might …,
perhaps
Future I A: He is going to speak. decision made in one year,
Simple N: He is not going to speak. for the future next week,
(going to) Q: Is he going to speak? conclusion tomorrow
with regard to the
future
Future I A: He will be speaking. action that is in one year,
Progressive N: He will not be speaking. going on at a certain next week,
Q: Will he be speaking? time in the future tomorrow
action that is
sure to happen in the
near future
Future II A: He will have spoken. action that by Monday,
Simple N: He will not have spoken. will be finished at a in a week
Q: Will he have spoken? certain time in the
future
Future II A: He will have been action taking for …, the
Progressive speaking. place before a last couple
N: He will not have been certain time in the of hours, all
speaking. future day long
Q: Will he have been putting
speaking? emphasis on the
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course of an action
Conditional A: He would speak. action that if sentences
I Simple N: He would not speak. might take place type II
Q: Would he speak? (If I were
you, I
would go
home.)
Conditional A: He would be speaking. action that
I N: He would not be speaking. might take place
Progressive Q: Would he be speaking? putting
emphasis on the
course / duration
of the action
Conditional A: He would have spoken. action that if sentences
II Simple N: He would not have spoken. might have taken type III
Q: Would he have spoken? place in the past (If I had
seen that, I
would have
helped.)
Conditional A: He would have been action that
II speaking. might have taken
Progressive N: He would not have been place in the past
speaking. puts emphasis
Q: Would he have been on the course /
speaking? duration of the
action
Pronouns (Personal, Possessive, Relative and Reflexive Pronouns)

Pronouns are words like I, me (personal pronouns) or my, mine (possessive
pronouns).
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Personal Pronouns Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns

Reflexive
subject object possessive possessive Pronouns
form form adjective pronoun
I me my mine myself
you you your yours yourself
he him his his himself
she her her hers herself
it it its its itself
we us our ours ourselves
you you your yours yourselves
they them their theirs themselves
Exercise on Pronouns
Personal Pronouns - Subject

Replace the words in brackets by the correct personal pronouns. Note that Sue is
the person speaking. The (*) means that you are asked a question.
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1. My name is Sue. I am English. And this is my family.

2. My mum's name is Angie. She is from Germany.
3. Bob is my dad. He is a waiter.
4. On the left you can see Simon. He is my brother.
5. We are twins.
6. Our dog is a girl, Judy. She is two years old.
7. We live in Canterbury.
8. It is not far from London.
9. My grandparents live in London. They often come and see us.
10. What can you tell me about your family?
Personal Pronouns Object

Aaron was on a business trip to California. He shows you the souvenirs he got for
his family.
Fill in the correct pronouns.
1. My sister Jane loves books. This novel is for her.
2. My children like Disney films. The video is for them.
3. My brother Matt collects picture postcards. These postcards are for him.
4. My parents like Latin music. The CD is for them.
5. I like watches. This nice watch is for me.
6. My wife and I love sweets. These sweets are for us.
7. My nephew likes cars. The toy truck is for him.
8. My neighbour wants to go to California next year. The guide book is for her.
9. Here is another souvenir. I don't know what to do with it.
10. You know what? - It's for you.
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Possessive Adjectives
Replace the personal pronouns by possessive adjectives.
1. Where are your friends now?
2. Here is a postcard from my friend Peggy.
3. She lives in Australia now with her family.
4. Her husband works in Newcastle.
5. His company builds ships.
6. Their children go to school in Newcastle.
7. My husband and I want to go to Australia, too.
8. We want to see Peggy and her family next winter.
9. Our winter!
10. Because it is their summer.
Possessive Pronouns
Replace the personal pronouns by possessive pronouns.
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1. This book is yours.

2. The ball is mine.
3. The blue car is ours.
4. The ring is hers.
5. We met Paul and Jane last night. This house is theirs.
6. The luggage is his.
7. The pictures are hers .
8. In our garden is a bird. The nest is its .
9. This cat is ours.
10. This was not my fault. It was yours.
Reflexive Pronouns
Fill in the correct reflexive pronouns.
1. I did not want to believe it and then I saw the UFO myself.
2. The girl looked at herself in the mirror.
3. Freddy, you'll have to do your homework yourself.
4. You don't need to help them. They can do it themselves .
5. I introduced myself to my new neighbour.
6. Boys, can you make your beds yourselves ?
7. She made herself a pullover.
8. What happens when a fighting fish sees itself in the mirror?
9. The father decided to repair the car himself.
10. We can move the table ourselves .
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Reflexive and Reciprocal Pronouns

Decide whether you have to use the reflexive pronoun, the reciprocal pronoun
(each other) or nothing.
1. John hurt himself when climbing the tree.
2. Peter and Sue helped each other with the homework.
3. I feel - much better today.
4. Did she make herself a cup of tea?
5. The wild monkey looked at itself in the mirror.
6. Brigit and Billy smiled at each other .
7. We're meeting - at the station.
8. During the meeting, Jane and Mary were talking to each other.
9. I don't remember - where we spent our holiday last year.
10. We need to concentrate -.
Exercise on Relative Clauses (Contact clauses)
Relative Pronouns (who / which / whose)

Choose the correct relative pronoun (who, which, whose).
1. This is the bank which was robbed yesterday.
2. A boy whose sister is in my class was in the bank at that time.
3. The man who robbed the bank had two pistols.
4. He wore a mask which made him look like Mickey Mouse.
5. He came with a friend who waited outside in the car.
6. The woman who gave him the money was young.
7. The bag which contained the money was yellow.
8. The people who were in the bank were very frightened.
9. A man whose mobile was ringing did not know what to do.
10. A woman whose daughter was crying tried to calm her.
11. The car which the bank robbers escaped in was orange.
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12. The robber whose mask was obviously too big didn't drive.
13. The man who drove the car was nervous.
14. He didn't wait at the traffic lights which were red.
15. A police officer whose car was parked at the next corner stopped and
arrested them.
Exercises “Little Red Riding Hood” – Teil 1

Fill the gaps with the correct pronouns.
1. Once upon a time there was a girl called Little Red Riding Hood. Together
with her mum, she lived in a big forest.
2. One fine day, Little Red Riding Hood’s mother said, “ Your grandma is ill.
Please go and take this cake and a bottle of wine to her. Grandma’s house is not
too far from our house, but always keep to the path and don’t stop!”
3. So, Little Red Riding Hood made her way to Grandma’s house.
4. In the forest she met the big bad wolf.
5. Little Red Riding Hood greeted him and the wolf asked:
6. “Where are you going, Little Red Riding Hood?”
7. “To my grandma’s house.” answered Little Red Riding Hood.
8. “Can you tell me where your grandma lives?”
9. “ She lives in a little cottage at the edge of the forest.”
10. “Why don’t you pick some nice flowers for her?” asked the wolf.
11. “That’s a good idea.” said Little Red Riding Hood and began looking for
flowers. Meanwhile, the wolf was on his way to grandma’s house.
12. The house was quite small but nice and its roof was made out of straw.
13. The wolf went inside and swallowed poor old Grandma. After that he put
Grandma’s clothes on and lay down in her bed.
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Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Exercises on Reported Speech
If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s
exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to
learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little
different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or
request.
Statements
When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
 pronouns
 present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
 place and time expressions
 tenses (backshift)
Type Example
direct speech “I speak English.”
reported speech He says that he speaks English.

(no backshift)
reported speech He said that he spoke English.

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Type Example
(backshift)
→ more on statements in reported speech

Questions
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
 pronouns
 present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
 tenses (backshift)
Also note that you have to:
 transform the question into an indirect question
 use the interrogative or if / whether
Type Example
with interrogative direct speech “Why don’t you speak English?”
reported He asked me why I didn’t speak English.

speech
without direct speech “Do you speak English?”

interrogative
reported He asked me whether / if I spoke
speech English.
→ more on questions in reported speech

Requests
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
 pronouns
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Type Example
direct speech “Carol, speak English.“
reported speech He told Carol to speak English.
→ more on requests in reported speech

Additional Information and Exeptions
Apart from the above mentioned basic rules, there are further aspects that you
should keep in mind, for example:
 main clauses connected with and / but
 tense of the introductory clause
 reported speech for difficult tenses
 exeptions for backshift
 requests with must, should, ought to and let’s
Confusing Tenses
Simple Present – Present Progressive

Exercises and tests
Form
Simple Present Present Progressive
infinitive form of 'be' and verb + ing

(3rd person singular: infinitive + 's')
I speak I am speaking
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you speak you are speaking

he / she / it speaks he / she / it is speaking
we speak we are speaking
they speak they are speaking
Exceptions
Exceptions when adding 's' : Exceptions when adding 'ing' :
For can, may, might, must, do not Silent e is dropped. (but: does not
add s. apply for -ee)
Example: he can, she may, it must Example: come - coming
After o, ch, sh or s, add es. but: agree - agreeing
Example: do - he does, wash - she washes After a short, stressed vowel, the
final consonant is doubled.
After a consonant, the final
consonant y becomes ie. (but: not after a Example: sit - sitting
vowel) After a vowel, the final consonant l
Example: worry - he worries is doubled in British English (but not in
but: play - he plays American English).
Example: travel - travelling (British
English)
but: travelling (American English)
Final ie becomes y.
Example: lie - lying
See also explanations on Simple Present and Present Progressive

Use
In general or right now?

Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is
happening right now?
in general (regularly, often, never) right now

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Colin plays football every Tuesday. Look! Colin is playing football now.
present actions happening one after also for several actions happening at the
another same time
First Colin plays football, then he Colin is playing football and Anne is
watches TV. watching.
Signal words
always at the moment
every ... at this moment
often today
normally now
usually right now
sometimes Listen!
seldom Look!
never
first
then
Note: The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present:
be, have, hear, know, like, love, see, smell, think, want
Timetable / Schedule or arrangement?

Do you want to express that something is arranged for the near future? Or do you
refer to a time set by a timetable or schedule?
arrangement for the near future

action set by a timetable or schedule
I am going to the cinema tonight.
The film starts at 8 pm.
Daily routine or just for a limited period of time?
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Do you want to talk about a daily routine? Or do you want to emphasis that
something is only going on for a limited (rather short) period of time?
only for a limited period of time (does

daily routine not have to happen directly at the
Bob works in a restaurant. moment of speaking)
Jenny is working in a restaurant this week.
Certain Verbs
The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present (not in the
progressive form).
 state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit
Example: We are on holiday.
 possession: belong, have
Example: Sam has a cat.
 senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
Example: He feels the cold.
 feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish
Example: Jane loves pizza.
 brain work: believe, know, think, understand
Example: I believe you.
 Introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say
Example: “I am watching TV,“ he says.
Simple Present - Present Perfect Progressive

Use
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Simple Present Present Perfect Progressive
action in the present taking place once, action that started in the past and is still
never or several times going on
puts emphasis on how often the action puts emphasis on how long the action
takes place has been going on
Present Perfect Simple – Present Perfect Progressive

Exercises and Tests
Form
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
irregular verbs: form of 'have' + 3rd form of 'have' + been + verb + ing
column of irregular verbs
Example: Example:
I / you / we / they have spoken I / you / we / they have been
he / she / it has spoken speaking
regular verbs: form of 'have' + infinitive + he / she / it has been speaking
ed
Example:
I / you / we / they have worked
he / she / it has worked
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Exceptions
Exceptions when adding 'ed' : Exceptions when adding 'ing' :
when the final letter is e, only add d silent e is dropped. (but: does not
Example: apply for -ee)
love - loved Example: come - coming
after a short, stressed vowel, the aber: agree - agreeing
final consonant is doubled after a short, stressed vowel, the
Example: final consonant is doubled
admit - admitted Example: sit - sitting
final l is always doubled in British after a vowel, the final consonant l
English (not in American English) is doubled in British English (but not in
Example: American English).
travel - travelled Example: travel - travelling
after a consonant, final y becomes i final ie becomes y.
(but: not after a vowel) Example: lie - lying
Example:
worry - worried
but: play - played
Use
Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going
on or has just finished. In many cases, both forms are correct, but there is often a
difference in meaning: We use the Present Perfect Simple mainly to express that
an action is completed or to emphasise the result. We use the Present Perfect
Progressive to emphasise the duration or continuous course of an action.
Result or duration?
Do you want to express what has happened so far or how long an action has been
going on yet?
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Duration (how long)

Result (what / how much / how often)
I have been writing for an hour.
I have written 5 letters. / I have been to
London twice.
Certain verbs
The following verbs are usually only used in Present Perfect Simple (not in the
progressive form).
 state: be, have (for possession only)
Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks.
Example: He has touched the painting.
Example: I have known him for 3 years.
Emphasis on completion or duration?

Do you want to emphasise the completion of an action or its continuous course
(how has somebody spent his time)?
Emphasis on duration
Emphasis on completion
I have been doing my homework.
I have done my homework. (Meaning: My (Meaning: That's how I have spent my
homework is completed now.) time. It does not matter whether the
homework is completed now.)
Result or side effect?
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Do you want to express that a completed action led to a desired result or that the
action had an unwanted side effect?
unwanted side effect

desired result
Why are you so wet? - I have been
I have washed the car. (Result: The car is washing the car. (side effect: I became wet
clean now.) when I was washing the car. It does not
matter whether the car is clean now.)
Time + negation: last time or beginning of an action?

In negative sentences: Do you want to express how much time has past since the
last time the action took place or since the beginning of the action?
since the last time since the beginning

I haven't played that game for years. I haven't been playing that game for an
(Meaning: It's years ago that I last played hour, only for 10 minutes. (Meaning: It's
that game.) not even an hour ago that I started to play
that game.)
Permanent or temporary?
If an action is still going on and we want to express that it is a permanent situation,
we would usually use the Present Perfect Simple. For temporary situations, we
would prefer the Present Perfect Progressive. This is not a rule, however, only a
tendency.
permanent temporary
James has lived in this town for 10 years. James has been living here for a year.
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(Meaning: He is a permanent resident of (Meaning: This situation is only

this town.) temporary. Maybe he is an exchange
student and only here for one or two
years.)
Signal words
how often how long

... times since
for
Simple Past – Past Progressive

Exercises and Tests
Form
Simple Past Past Progressive
irregular verbs: see 2nd column of past form of 'be' + ing form of verb
irregular verbs
I spoke I was speaking
regular verbs: verb + ed you were speaking
he / she / it was speaking
I worked
we were speaking
they were speaking
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Exceptions
Exceptions when adding 'ed' : Exceptions when adding 'ing' :
when the final letter is e, only add d. silent e is dropped (but: does not
Example: love - loved apply for -ee)
after a short, stressed vowel, the Example: come - coming
final consonant is doubled but: agree - agreeing
Example: admit - admitted after a short, stressed vowel, the
final consonant is doubled
final l is always doubled in British
English (not in American English) Example: sit - sitting
Example: travel - travelled final l is always doubled in British
English (not in American English)
after a consonant, final y becomes i.
(but: not after a vowel) Example: travel - travelling
Example: worry - he worried final ie becomes y.
but: play - he played Example: lie - lying
See also explanations on Simple Past and Past Progressive
Use
After another or at the same time?

Do you want to express that the actions in the past happened one after another or
at the same time?
at the same time

after another
Simon was playing on the computer while
She came home, switched on the computer his brother was watchin TV.
and checked her e-mails.
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New action or already in progress?

If you want to express that a new action happened in the middle of another action,
you need both tenses: Simple Past the new action and Past Progressive for the
action already in progress.
action already in progress

new action
While I was sitting in a meeting, (my
My mobile rang (when I was sitting in a mobile suddenly rang.)
meeting.)
Only mentioning or emphasising progress?

Do you just want to mention that an action took place in the past (also used for
short actions)? Or do you want to put emphasis on the progress, e.g. that an action
was taking place at a certain time?
just mentioning emphasising progress

Colin played football yesterday. Yesterday at six o'clock, Colin was playing
football.
Certain Verbs
The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Past (not in the progressive
form).
 state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit
Example: We were on holiday.
 possession: belong, have
Example: Sam had a cat.
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Example: He felt the cold.

 feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish
Example: Jane loved pizza.
Example: I did not understand him.
 introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say
Example: “I am watching TV,“ he said.
Signal words
first when
then while
If-Satz Typ II (If I talked, …) as long as
Simple Past – Present Perfect Simple

Exercises and Tests
Form
Simple Past Present Perfect Simple
irregular verbs: see 2nd column of irregular verbs: form of 'have' + 3rd
irregular verbs column of irregular verbs
Example: Example:
I spoke I / you / we / they have spoken
he / she / it has spoken
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regular verbs: infinitive + ed regular verbs: form of 'have' + infinitive +

Example: ed
I worked Example:
I / you / we / they have worked
he / she / it has worked
Exceptions
Exceptions when adding 'ed':

when the final letter is e, only add d
Example:
love - loved
after a short, stressed vowel, the final consonant is doubled
Example:
admit - admitted
final l is always doubled in British English (not in American English)
Example:
travel - travelled
after a consonant, final y becomes i (but: not after a vowel)
Example:
worry - worried
but: play - played
See also explanations on Simple Past and Present Perfect Simple

Use
In British English, the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect is quite strict. As
soon as a time expression in the past is given, you have to use Simple Past. If there
are no signal words, you must decide if we just talk about an action in the past or
if it's consequence in the present is important.
Note that the following explanations and exercises refer to British English only.
In American English, you can normally use Simple Past instead of Present Perfect.
We cannot accept this in our exercises, however, as this would lead to confusions
amongst those who have to learn the differences.
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Certain time in the past or just / already / yet?

Do you want to express that an action happened at a certain time in the past (even
if it was just a few seconds ago) or that an action has just / already / not yet
happened?
certain time in the past just / already / not yet

Example: Example:
I phoned Mary 2 minutes ago. I have just phoned Mary.
Certain event in the past or how often so far?

Do you want to express when a certain action took place or whether / how often an
action has happened till now?
certain event in the past whether / how often till now

Example: Example:
He went to Canada last summer. Have you ever been to Canada? / I
have been to Canada twice.
Emphasis on action or result?

Do you just want to express what happened in the past? Or do you want to
emphasise the result (a past action's consequence in the present)?
Emphasis on action Emphasis on result

Example: Example:
I bought a new bike. (just I have bought a new bike. (With this sentence
telling what I did in the I actually want to express that I have a new
past.) bike now.)
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Signal Words
yesterday just
... ago already
in 1990 up to now
the other day until now / till now
last ... ever
(not) yet
so far
lately / recently
Simple Past – Past Perfect

Use
Simple Past Past Perfect
action in the past taking place once, action taking place before a certain time in
never or several times the past
actions in the past taking place one sometimes interchangeable with past perfect
after the other progressive
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action in the past taking place in the puts emphasis only on the fact (not the
middle of another action duration or course of the action)
Future Mix
Comparison of future tenses: going to, will, Simple Present, Present Progressive
Use
Future I going to Future I will Simple Present Present Progressive
decision made for action in the future action set by a action already
the future that cannot be time table or arranged for the near
influenced schedule future
conclusion with assumption with

regard to the regard to the future
future
spontaneous decision
General Information on Spoken Texts

Differences between spoken and written texts
In general, the same rules apply for spoken texts as for written ones:
 use simple language
 keep subordinate clauses short
 prefer verbs to nouns (not: The meaning of this is that …, but: This means
that …)
 avoid slang and techy language
As listeners cannot take up as many information as readers, do also keep the
following rules in mind when preparing a text that is to be presented orally:
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 Keep your sentences short and simple.

 Avoid participal constructions. (In written texts they are often used to
increase the density of information in a sentence. In spoken texts, however, they
make it more difficult for the listeners to follow.)
Listeners' attention
You surely know that it is not always easy to follow a lecture or presentation. On
the other hand, imagine how a speaker must feel if nobody is listening. With just a
few tricks, however, you can win your audience's attention:
 Speak clearly and slowly. Use simple words and short sentences.
 Have little breaks in between the sentences to allow your audience to reflect
on what has been said.
 Communicate freely (don't read the whole text from a piece of paper).
 Outline to the audience how your paper is structured. (e.g. I will first
explain … / Then I will … / After that … / Finally …) and indicate when you
come to another sub-topic (I will now talk about …). This way your audience can
follow your presentation more easily.
 Use pictures and graphics as an illustration.
 Use a rhetorical question or hypophora from time to time. Your listeners will
think that you've asked them a question and thus listen more attentively.
 Use enumerations starting first / second / third. This also draws your
audience's attention.
Tip: Depending on the topic or your audience, you can also hand out questions
that your listeners have to answer during the presentation, or you announce that
there will be a quiz in the end. That will definitely make your audience listen very
attentively.
For an even more sophisticated presentation, use some of the stylistic devices
typical for spoken texts, e.g.:
 alliteration
 allusion
 anaphora
 antithesis
 hyperbole
 hypophora
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 metaphor
 rhetorical question
 simile
A joke or a quotation might also help you keep your listeners' attention. Don't
overdo it, however. Using stylistic devices, jokes or quotations where they don't fit
in might not have the effect you want.
Very important: Don't try to show off your knowledge of English using complex
sentences or difficult words. Always keep your audience in mind: they need to
follow your presentation and will therefore appreciate simple language and
sentence structure.
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English Tenses – Examples

Explanation Past Present Future

Simple Past Simple Present Future I Simple

action that takes He played football He plays football He will / is going

Past Progressive Present Future I

Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II Simple

Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II

Table of English Tenses

action in the always,

Simple Past A: He spoke. action in the yesterday, 2

Present A: He has been speaking. putting all day, for

Future I A: He will speak. action in the in a year,

English Tenses – Graphic Comparison

 action taking place before a certain moment in time

Simple Past (Past Simple)

Positive Negative Question

no differences I spoke. I did not speak. Did I speak?

Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’

Exceptions in spelling when adding ed Example

after a final e only add d love – loved

final consonant after a short, stressed vowel admit – admitted

final y after a consonant becomes i hurry – hurried

Use of Simple Past

 action in the past taking place in the middle of another action

Simple Present (Present Simple) - Introduction

Simple Present - Form

affirmative negative question

he/she/it He is. He is not. Is he?

you/we/they You are. You are not. Are you?

Exercise on simple present with 'be'

positiv negativ question

I/you/we/they I have got. / I have. I have not got. / I do Have I got? / Do I

he/she/it He has got. / He He has not got. / He Has he got? / Does

Simple Present - Exceptions in Spelling

Verbs ending in o or a sibilant (ch, sh, s, x) add es instead of s.

A final y after a consonant becomes ie before s.

Simple Present - Short Forms

I am English. = I'm English. I am not English. = I'm not English.

We are English.= We're We are not English. = We're not / We aren't

He is English. = He's English. He is not English. = He's not / He isn't English.

I do not play tennis. = I don't play tennis

He does not play tennis = He doesn't play tennis.

Simple Present - Use

The sun sets in the west.

Colin always plays soccer

She takes her bag and

Although the action takes place in the future, it

The train leaves at 9 pm.

wish (feeling and emotion)

Simple Present - Signal Words

Simple Present - Summary

affirmative negative question

he/she/it He is. He is not. Is he?

you/we/they You are. You are not. Are you?

affirmative negative question

I/you/we/they I have got. / I have. I have not got. / I do Have I got? / Do I

he/she/it He has got. / He He has not got. / He Has he got? / Does

affirmative negative question

I/you/we/they I play. I do not play. Do I play?

he/she/it He plays. He does not play. Does he play?

Verbs ending in o or a sibilant (ch, sh, s, x) add es do - he does, wash - she

A final y after a consonant becomes ie before s. (but: worry - he worries (but:

I am English. = I'm English. I am not English. = I'm not English.