88 simple tenses

Aspect
When we use a verb, we often need to be able to refer to more than the time at which an event took place. We sometimes need to be able to refer to actions and states as completed or not completed. AsPect describes the way we think of verbal actions.
The continuous aspect is formed by using the appropriate form of the auxiliary be together with the -ing form (present participle) of the main verb.

simple tenses
We use perfect aspect to show that an action:

8g

is

complete atthe time of speaking.

t've fi ni shed the book. lt w as brilli a nt. We've enjoyed having you all to stly. Jo has borrowedthe book, so I can'tchecknow, I'm afraid.

was complete at the time you are referring to.

Oh dear; I had forgotten my promiseto Aunt Jane.

We use continuous aspect to show that an action:

Sharon had losther key, so she had to wait outside. Sue had seenthefilmthreetimes already, butshe didn't mind.

is

going on atthetime of speaking.

I'm having dinner atthe moment. Can I callyou back?
I

Look!

know whatyou are doing! Someone'swalking oround in our garden!

was going on throughout the time that you are referring to.
I
t

was having dinner when he called.

woswaiting for her when

she came

out of the classroom.

Wewere driving homewhen we sawthe accident.

will

be going on at the time that you are referring to.

We're

going toTurkey for o holiday nextyear.

They're coming to usfor Christmasthisyear.

The perfect aspect is formed try using the appropriate form of the auxi liary hove together with the -ed form (past participle) of the

main verb.