CONTINUOUS AND

PERFECT ASPECT
GRAMMAR 1.2
 The continuous aspect

It focuses on an action/activity and its duration rather than its result. It is

used to describe a temporary activity with a limited duration.

- The train was nearing Paris.

 I’m trying to sleep.

 Ben will be waiting to pick you up outside.

 The team is currently enjoying a week’s holiday.

 We are renting an apartment until our house is ready.

 The perfect aspect

It links two time frames. It is used:

 To emphasise that an action is completed before another time.

 I realised I’d sent the wrong email.

 By 2040, electric cars will have replaced petrol models.

 She will have left home by 8.30, so she won’t be able to answer
the phone.
 The perfect aspect

 When the exact time is unimportant or unknown.

 Has anyone seen my glasses?

 She’s been to Morocco a couple of times.

 Have you tried your new bike?

 I’ve seen that film before.

 The perfect aspect

 To emphasise the result rather than the process.

 I’ve already eaten, thanks.

 The company has made a huge investment in the country.

 She has written five letters.

 Continuous and perfect together

Both aspects can occur, showing the linking of two times

and the duration of an activity.
 They have been playing football all afternoon and need a
shower.
 By next June I’ll have been working here for a year.
 You’ll have been driving over 24 hours.
 She will have been waiting for two days.
LET’S PRACTISE!

 I hope I _______ by the time I’m 65. (retire)

 I hope I will have retired by the time I’m 65.
 What ______ this time yesterday? (do)
 What were you doing this time yesterday?
 How many books ________ this year? (read)
 How many books have you read this year?
 I ______ to five countries by the time I was 10. (be)
 I had been to five countries by the time I was 10.
LET’S PRACTISE!

 He _____ Rachel for over a year before his wife found out. (see)
 He had been seeing Rachel for over a year before his wife found
out.
 In April I _______ here for exactly five years. (work)
 In April I will have been working here for exactly five years.
 This time next week ______ on the beach in Thailand. (lie)
 This time next week I will be lying on the beach in Thailand.