Definite and Indefinite Time

Unit 1
Police have arrested three men in connection with the
robbery. They claimed to be innocent as they were being taken
into custody.

Sonia has had 22 different jobs so far and she is currently

looking for new opportunities.

The guest who has just arrived from a trip abroad, is a polyglot.

I’ve owned this car for about 20 years.

I traveled to a lot of places as a student and saw some
amazing things.

She has been working on poems since she tried her hand at
creative writing.

I’ve had a productive conversation with my manager. We

should start the project any time soon.

We were having a great time at the party until a neighbor

complained about the noise.
- Indefinite time, effect on the present - Completed actions

- Unfinished actions(stative verbs)

- Actions in progress in the past

- Actions that have the potential to

be repeated
- Actions that started in the past and
continue up to now
- News and further details
- Recent events
- Indefinite time, effect on the present - Completed actions
I’ve had a productive conversation with my manager. I traveled to a lot of places as a student and
We should start the project any time soon. saw some amazing things.

- Actions in progress in the past - Unfinished actions(stative verbs)

We were having a great time at the party until a I’ve owned this car for about 20 years.
neighbor complained about the noise.

- Actions that have the potential to be

- Actions that started in the past and
repeated
continue up to now
Sonia has had 22 different jobs so far and she is
She has been working on poems since she tried her currently looking for new opportunities.
hand at creative writing.

- News and further details

- Recent events
The guest who has just arrived from a trip abroad, is Police have arrested three men in connection
a polyglot. with the robbery. They claimed to be innocent
as they were being taken into custody.