Simple Past
Use
1) action finished in the past
I visited Berlin last week.
2) series of completed actions in the past
First I got up, then I had breakfast
3) The Simple Past interrupted an action which was in progress in the past.
They were playing cards when the telephone rang.
Signal words
yesterday, last week, a month ago, in 2002
Form
-with regular verbs: infinitive + -ed
-with irregular verbs: e.g ( bore, became, built...)
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Past Perfect *
Use
1) Together with the Simple Past
The lesson had started when we arriverd.
2) the past equivalent of the Present Perfect
He had played hockey.
Form
had + past participle
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* Past Progressive / Continuous
Use
1) actions were in progress at special time in the past
Peter was reading a book yesterday evening.
2) two actions were happening at the same time ( the actions do not influence each other )
Anne was writting a letter while Steve was reading the New York TImes.
3) together with the past simple
While we were sitting at the breakfast table, the telephone rang.
4) repeated actions irritating the speaker
Andrew was always coming in late.
Signal words
while,when
Form
to be ( was, were) + infinitive + -ing
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* Simple Present
Use
1) repeated actions
My friend often draws nice posters.
2) thing in general
The sun rises in the East.
3) fixed arrangements, scheduled events
The plane flies to London every Monday.
4) actions in the present - one follows after the other
First I get up, then I have breakfast.
5) instructions
Open your books at page 34.
6) after special verbs
I understand English.
Signal words
Every day, often, always, sometimes, never
Form
infinitive + -s
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* Present Perfect
Use
1) Result of an action in the past is important in the present
I have cleaned my room.
2) Recently completed actions
He has just played handball.
3) Actions beginning in the past and still continuing
We have lived in Canada since 1986.
4) together with lately, recently, yet
I have been to London recently.
Signal words
just, yet, never, already, ever, so far, up to now, recently, since, for
Form
have/has + past participle
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* Present Progressive / Present Continuous
Use
1) Actions beginning in the past and still continuing
I have been waiting for you for three hours.
2) Recently completed actions
She has been watching too many videos.
Signal words
all day, the whole day, since, for
Questions with how long
Form
have/has + been + infinitive + -ing
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* Will - Future
Use
1) Future actions happen without the speaker's intention
The sun will shine tomorrow.
2) Predictions, assumptions
I think Sue will arrive in Paris at 6 am.
3) Spontaneous actions
Hang on! I'll have a word with you.
Form
will + infinitive
Examples
Affirmative sentences:
He will play football.
Negative sentences:
He will not play football.
Questions:
Will he play football?
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Going-to - Future
Use
1) planned actions in the future
We are going to sing at the party.
2) You are certain that somthing is going to happen in the future
Look at this car! It is going to crash into the yellow one.
Form
to be (am,are,is) + going to + infinitive
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الأحد أغسطس 30, 2009 7:30 am
