Week 3 PPT 12 Tenses Overview

future
We use tenses of verbs to refer to actions or situations

in the present, in the past and in the future.
Verb tense expresses the time of an event or action.
present
past
future
There are different sorts of tenses:

simple tenses
continuous tenses
present
perfect tenses
perfect continuous tenses
past
future
present
present tenses
present simple
present continuous
present perfect
past
present perfect continuous

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous
FORM
The present simple is formed with the infinitive of the main verb. The
negative and interrogative are formed with the present tense of the verb
to do + infinitive.
Examples
I start ( he starts) work at 8.30 a.m.
When do I start work?
I don’t start work until 9.00 a..m. / He doesn’t start work until 9.00 a.m.
USE
1. for habitual and repeated actions
Example
I play blues harp and dobro guitar
USE
2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequency
( often – usually – sometimes -seldom – rarely – always – occasionally –
never – twice a week - on Tuesdays – most of the time ....)
Example
He often arrives late
USE
3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple form
verbs of the senses see- hear- smell – notice – recognize
verbs of emotions want – desire – refuse – forgive – wish – care – love – hate – like – dislike
verbs of thinking think – feel – realize – understand – know – mean – suppose – believe –
expect – remember – forget
Example
Do you see what I mean?
She likes my brother very much.
I suppose he realizes that now.
USE
3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple form
4. for something that is permanently true
Example
Water boils at 100° C.
on the time diagram
past now future
I get up at 7.30 a.m. every day.

FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be + present
participle of the main verb.
Examples
I’m watching television.
What are you doing?
He isn’t coming.
USE
1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.
Example
She’s reading the newspaper.
USE
2. For a temporary state.
Example
The company is reorganizing its services.
USE
3. For a definite arrangement in the near future.
Example
They’re signing the contract tomorrow.
USE
3. For a definite arrangement in the near future.
Some verbs are not usually used in a continuous form
verbs of senses see – hear – smell – notice - recognize
verbs of emotion want – desire – refuse – forgive – wish – care – love – hate –
like - dislike
verbs of thinking think – feel – realize – understand – know – mean – suppose –
believe – expect – remember - forget
verbs of possessing own – owe – belong - possess
some other verbs seem – appear (seem) – contain – consist – keep (continue) -
matter
on the time diagram
past now future
I’m adjusting the rotating speed

FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to have + past
Examples
I’ve finished.
Where have you been?
I haven’t talked to him.
USE
1. Actions in the recent past with ‘just, recently, already, at last,
lately’
Example
He has just immersed the temperature probe into the molten steel.
USE
lately’
2. General experience with ‘ever – never – before – so far’
Example
This is the highest carbon ratio I’ve ever seen.

USE
lately’
3. The indefinite past: we are interested in what happened, not in
when it happened.
Example
I have seen the report. (I know what it is about.)
He has sold the company.
They have had lunch.
USE
lately’
3. The indefinite past: we are interested in what happened, not in
when it happened.
4. Actions starting in the past and continuing to the present, with
‘for’ or ‘since”.
Example
The operation has been suspended for two months.
The firm has had a Belgian branch since October last year.
on the time diagram
relationship with the

present moment
past now future
I ‘ve just arrived.

on the time diagram
past ? ? ? now future
Have you been to France?

on the time diagram
past now future
They have revised their report.

on the time diagram
past now future
We have conducted experiments on this phenomenon for

almost two years.
FORM
This tense is formed with the present perfect of the verb to be + present
Examples
I‘ve been writing code for our new data-mining program.
Has she been trying to contact me?
She hasn’t been writing at all.
USE
We use this tense for actions started in the past, continuing to the
present and probably continuing into the future. We often use it with
“for” or “since”.
Examples
I’ve been trying to persuade him for ten years now.
We‘ve been practicing this routine since last Wednesday.
on the time diagram
past now future

1984 2004
I‘ve been driving lorries for twenty years.....

In this sentence, the duration is emphasized, either
positively or negatively.
So I know what I’m talking about!

So it’s high time I quit.
on the time diagram
past now future

1984 2004
I‘ve driven a Volkswagen for twenty years.....

In this sentence, the duration is indicated, but the car
brand is emphasized.
Clearly I have confidence in this car.

future
past simple
present
past continuous
past perfect
past perfect continuous
past
past tenses
past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous
FORM
This tense is formed by adding -ed to the infinitive. The negative and
interrogative are formed with the past tense of the verb to do + infinitive
of the main verb
Examples
They arrived at head quarters an hour ago.
When did he finalize this deal?
I didn’t finish until 12 o’clock.
USE
1. For actions completed at a definite time in the past.
Example
We signed the contract last Friday at 2 o’clock.
USE
2. For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is
understood but not stated.
Example
Did you arrive in time?
USE
2. For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is
understood but not stated.
3. The ‘unreal past tense’ is used after the verb ‘to wish’ and after
words and phrases such as ‘if only; it’s time; suppose’ etc. The
simple past tense implies that the speaker knows that the wish or
the idea is impossible. Note that the wish refers to the present
time.
Examples
If I only knew his name.
I wish I were at home now.
If I were in his shoes, I would fix his wagon without much scruples.
It’s time I went home.
on the time diagram
past now future

15.30
I arrived at 15.30 sharp.

FORM
This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to be + present
Examples
I was watching TV at 8 o’clock yesterday.
Where were you looking for my glasses this time?
I wasn’t eavesdropping at all!
USE
1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.
Examples
She was playing tennis with a friend.
He was discussing production planning for the coming week.
USE
2. To describe an action in progress at a certain time in the past.
Examples
At 6 p.m. I was still sleeping.
At a quarter past nine I was having breakfast.
Prices were going up all the time.
USE
past
3. To describe an interrupted past action.
Examples
When he arrived, I was studying the quarterly reports.
USE
3. To describe an interrupted past action.
action
4. To express repeated past actions which caused irritation,
annoyance. ( with always, forever)
Examples
He was always trying to influence the personnel director.
She was forever paring her nails during meetings.
on the time diagram
past now future
I was working all day yesterday.

on the time diagram
past now future

I was working all day yesterday.
yesterday
past now future
I worked all day yesterday.

on the time diagram
past now future

1. I was working all day yesterday.
yesterday
past now future

2. I worked all day yesterday.
While (1) emphasizes the continuity of the action, (2) only indicates that
the action took place yesterday.
on the time diagram
past now future

8.30 p.m.
I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

on the time diagram

8.30 p.m.
past now future
3. I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.
8.30 p.m.
past now future
4. I watched TV at 8.30 last night.
Whereas 3. indicates that the action started before and continued after a certain point in time, 4.
indicates that the action happened (started) at 8.30
on the time diagram
I was browsing through your report ...
past now future
when he knocked at my office door.

FORM
This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to have + past
Examples
I had never seen so many measuring tools.
What assistance had he given?
He hadn’t expected this outcome.
USE
1. We use this tense to describe one past action happening before
another past action.
Example
The customer had left the shop by the time I found his order form.
USE
2. We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two actions.
Example
He had already cleared the screen when I got behind his desk.
USE
2. We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two actions.
3. We often use it when the second action is understood, but not
stated.
Example
I hadn’t realized! (until you told me.)
on the time diagram
past had watched

now future
dinner TV
1. When I had had dinner, I watched TV.
had watched
past TV now future
dinner
2. I had dinner before I watched TV.
In (1) the sequence of actions is expressed by the past perfect tense;

whereas in (2) the sequence of actions is indicated by the use of
before
FORM
This tense is formed with the past perfect tense of the verb to be +
present participle of the main verb.
Examples
She had been working as a secretary for two years when she was
promoted.
What had she been writing all day?
He hadn’t been listening to that tape for that long.
USE
1. We use this tense to describe a continuous past action happening
before another past action. We often use it
with for + time period.
Example
We had been waiting for thirty minutes when they arrived.

USE
1. We use this tense to describe a continuous past action happening
before another past action. We often use it
with for + time period.
2. We use this tense to emphasize the continuity or duration of the
past action.
Example
I had been waiting for my exam results for six weeks. (before I got
them.)
on the time diagram
10 minutes
past now future
1. I had been waiting for 10 minutes when she arrived.
past now
2. I waited for 10 minutes before she arrived.
Whereas in (1) the past perfect continuous indicates both the sequence of the
actions and the continuity of the first action; in (2) the sequence of the actions is
indicated by before. (1.) emphasizes the duration.
future
future tenses
future simple
future continuous
present
future perfect
future perfect continuous
going to
present continuous
past
present simple
future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple
USE
We use this tense to express a pure future. Actions expressed in the
simple future are bound to happen because of the course of time. This
means that the speaker has no power over the events, that he cannot
control what will happen. For this reason this tense is also called the
uncertain future..
Examples
He will be sixteen years old next Friday.
The baby will be born next month
USE
1. We often use this tense with particular verbs; such as think – know
– believe – suppose – expect – hope to express beliefs, convictions,
hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about the future.
Examples
I think Brazil will win.
I don’t suppose she will be promoted now
USE
future
2. We often use it with particular adverbs such as: probably –
possibly –perhaps to express uncertainty about the future.
Examples
He will probably ask the general manager.
This matter will probably not be raised before the commission’s first
meeting
USE
2. We often use it with particular adverbs such as: probably –
possibly –perhaps to express uncertainty about the future.
future
3. The simple present is used in conditional clauses and time clauses.
The simple future is used in the main clause (not in the if-clause).
Examples
He ‘ll help you if you ask him.
I ‘ll tell him the news as soon as I see him.
He ‘ll be arrested the moment he sets foot on Schengen soil.
FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be + going to
+ infinitive of the main verb.
Examples
I’ m going to watch this football match on TV tonight.
What are you going to do about this ?
She isn’t going to give this party next week
USE
1. We use this tense to talk about present intentions and plans for
future actions.
Examples
I ‘m going to pass my exams next month.
I ‘m going to spend two weeks in Spain this summer.
USE
1. We use this tense to talk about present intentions and plans for
future actions.
actions
2. We also use going to in order to express subjective certainty on
the part of the speaker.
Examples
This boat is going to sink.
It’s going to rain, by the look
USE
1. We use this tense to indicate definite future arrangements, actions
planned in the near future. We nearly always use a future time
expression with it.
Examples
He ‘s starting his new job next Monday.
I’ m taking the 11 o’clock train to Berlin
USE
1. We use this tense to indicate definite future arrangements, actions
planned in the near future. We nearly always use a future time
expression with it.
Note: do not confuse intention ( to be + going to + verb) and
arrangement (to be + present participle).
Examples
I’m going to stay in London. = intention
I’m going to London next weekend = arrangement
FORM
This tense is formed with the infinitive of the main verb. The negative
and interrogative are formed with the present tense of to do + infinitive
Examples
The plane takes off at 7.30 local time.
The match begins at 14.00 hours.
You leave from Kennedy airport at noon, and arrive in Paris at 15.00
hours GMT.
USE
We use this tense to talk about planned future actions. We usually use
it to describe travel plans, time tables, departures, arrivals.

Examples
The bus leaves at 15.30.
The reception starts at 19.00 hours.
The ferry leaves Dover at 12.30 tomorrow and we arrive at Calais at
13.15.
FORM
This tense is formed with the future simple of to be + present participle
of the main verb.
Examples
We’ ll be flying to Rome this time next week.
What will you be doing this time next week?
They won’t be sitting in the classroom at 6 o’clock tomorrow.
USE
We use this tense for actions that will be in progress at a certain time
in the future.

Examples
At 11.45 next Friday, I ‘ ll be doing my chemistry exam.
I’ ll be hiking through the States this time next year.
on the time diagram
past now future
This time next week I’ll be taking my driving test.

USE
1. The future continuous is also used to express long-term
arrangements, especially for travelling.
Examples
The band will be travelling through Scandinavia at the end of the month.
They will be giving three performances there.
USE
2. The future continuous is also used to ask very polite questions
about future activities. By using the future continuous tense, the
speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want to
influence the other person’s decision in any way at all.
Examples
Where will you be having dinner, Sir? (secretary to boss)
What will you be having, Madam? (waiter to customer)
USE
2. The future continuous is also used to ask very polite questions
about future activities. By using the future continuous tense, the
speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want to
influence the other person’s decision in any way at all.
3. The future continuous is also used to make deductions about what is
happening at the moment of speaking.
Examples
He will be working in his garden now. Otherwise, he would have heard
the phone.
She hasn’t begun making up the beds. She will still be doing the washing
up.
FORM
This tense is formed with will + have + past participle of the main verb.
Examples
They ‘ll have finalized their business by noon.
Will they have copied all that material by Friday morning?
They won’t have organized this course by the end of this year.
USE
We use this tense to describe actions which we know will (or will not)
be completed by a certain time in the future.
Examples
I ‘ll have finished this book by the end of the week.
on the time diagram
past now future
Examples end of next week
By the end of next week, I’ll have finished my exams.

FORM
This tense is formed with the future perfect tense of to be + present
participle of rthe main verb.
Examples
By the end of this year, we ‘ll have been experimenting with this
polymer for more than three months.
How long will you have been living in that shack by the end of this
year?
I won’t have been living here for more than five years by the end of this
year.
USE
We use this tense to describe continuous and repeated actions which
begin before a certain time in the future and will probably continue
after that time.
Examples
By the end of this academic year, I’ll have been teaching for 30 years.
on the time diagram
past future
now
end of this academic year
Example
By the end of this academic year, I’ll have been teaching for 30 years.

Week 3 PPT 12 Tenses Overview

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Week 3 PPT 12 Tenses Overview

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future

We use tenses of verbs to refer to actions or situations

There are different sorts of tenses:

present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

I get up at 7.30 a.m. every day.

on the time diagram

past now future

I’m adjusting the rotating speed

This is the highest carbon ratio I’ve ever seen.

on the time diagram

relationship with the

past now future

I ‘ve just arrived.

on the time diagram

past ? ? ? now future

Have you been to France?

on the time diagram

past now future

They have revised their report.

on the time diagram

past now future

We have conducted experiments on this phenomenon for

on the time diagram

past now future

I‘ve been driving lorries for twenty years.....

So I know what I’m talking about!

on the time diagram

past now future

I‘ve driven a Volkswagen for twenty years.....

Clearly I have confidence in this car.

on the time diagram

past now future

I arrived at 15.30 sharp.

on the time diagram

past now future

I was working all day yesterday.

on the time diagram

past now future

past now future

I worked all day yesterday.

on the time diagram

past now future

past now future

on the time diagram

past now future

I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

on the time diagram

past now future

3. I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

past now future

4. I watched TV at 8.30 last night.

on the time diagram

I was browsing through your report ...

past now future

when he knocked at my office door.

on the time diagram

past had watched

1. When I had had dinner, I watched TV.

2. I had dinner before I watched TV.

In (1) the sequence of actions is expressed by the past perfect tense;

on the time diagram