Unit 1 Simple Present: Verb Tense
Unit 1 Simple Present: Verb Tense
Unit 1 Simple Present: Verb Tense
Simple present
The simple present (also called present simple or present indefinite) is a verb tense which is used to show
repetition, habit or generalization. Less commonly, the simple present can be used to talk about scheduled
actions in the near future and, in some cases, actions happening now.
The simple present is just the base form of the verb. Questions are made with do and negative forms are made
with do not.
In the third person singular, -s or -es is added. Questions are made with does and negative forms are made
with does not.
Use the simple present to express the idea that an action is repeated
or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often
happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.
The simple present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact
was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the
fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.
Speakers sometimes use the simple present to express the idea that
an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with non-continuous verbs and
certain mixed verbs.
Present Continuous
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an
ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. The present
continuous can also be used to show that an action is going to take place in the near future. Read on for
detailed descriptions, examples, and present continuous exercises.
The present continuous is formed using am/is/are + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting
the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
USE 1 Now
Use the present continuous with normal verbs to express the idea that
something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening
now.
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year,
this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the present continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a
longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Singular Plural
UNIT 2
Simple Past
The simple past (also called past simple, past indefinite or preterite) is a verb tense which is used to show that
a completed action took place at a specific time in the past. The simple past is also frequently used to talk
about past habits and generalizations.
The simple past is formed using the verb + ed. In addition, there are many verbs with irregular past forms.
Questions are made with did and negative forms are made with did not.
Use the simple past to express the idea that an action started and
finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but
they do have one specific time in mind.
The simple past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in
the past. A duration is a longer action often indicated by expressions such as: for two years, for five minutes, all
day, all year, etc.
Present Perfect
The present perfect is a verb tense which is used to show that an action has taken place once or many times
before now. The present perfect is most frequently used to talk about experiences or changes that have taken
place, but there are other less common uses as well. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and present
perfect exercises.
The present perfect is formed using has/have + past participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the
subject and has/have. Negatives are made with not.
The present perfect continuous is formed using has/have + been + present participle. Questions are
indicated by inverting the subject and has/have. Negatives are made with not.
Negative: You have not been waiting here for two hours.
You can also use the present perfect continuous WITHOUT a duration
such as "for two weeks." Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use
the words "lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning.
UNIT 3
Past Perfect
The past perfect is a verb tense which is used to show that an action took place once or many times before
another point in the past. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and present perfect exercises.
Past Perfect Forms
The past perfect is formed using had + past participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject
and had. Negatives are made with not.
Statement: You had studied English before you moved to New York.
Question: Had you studied English before you moved to New York?
Negative: You had not studied English before you moved to New York.
Past Perfect Uses
USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Past
The past perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before
another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Unlike with the present perfect, it is possible to use specific time words
or phrases with the past perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
Past Continuous
The past continuous (also called past progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing past
action was happening at a specific moment of interruption, or that two ongoing actions were happening at the
same time. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and past continuous exercises.
The past continuous is formed using was/were + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the
subject and was/were. Negatives are made with not.
Use the past continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past
was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the simple past. Remember this can be a real
interruption or just an interruption in time.
IMPORTANT
In the simple past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the past continuous, a
specific time only interrupts the action.
When you use the past continuous with two actions in the same
sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
USE 4 Atmosphere
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.
COULD HAVE
Could have + past participle means that something was possible in the past, or you had the ability to do
something in the past, but that you didn't do it. (See also modals of ability.)
Julie could have bought the book, but she borrowed it from the library instead.
Couldn't have + past participle means that something wasn't possible in the past, even if you had wanted to
do it.
I couldn't have arrived any earlier. There was a terrible traffic jam (= it was impossible for me to have
arrived any earlier).
UNIT 4
Reported speech
When we report someone’s words we can do it in two ways. We can use direct speech with quotation marks
(“I work in a bank”), or we can use reported speech (He said he worked in a bank.)
In reported speech the tenses, word-order and pronouns may be different from those in the original sentence.
The present simple tense (I travel) usually changes to the past simple (he travelled) in reported speech.
Direct speech: “Be quiet. The baby’s sleeping.” Reported speech: She told me to be quiet because the
baby was sleeping.
It isn’t always necessary to change the tense. If something is still true now – he still works in Italy – we can use
the present simple in the reported sentence.
Direct speech: “We lived in China for 5 years.” Reported speech: She told me they had lived in China
for 5 years.
The past simple tense (we lived) usually changes to the past perfect (they had lived) in reported speech.
Direct speech: “I was walking down the road when I saw the accident.” Reported speech: He told me
he’d been walking down the road when he’d seen the accident.
Perfect tenses
Direct speech: “They’ve always been very kind to me”. Reported speech: She said they’d always been
very kind to her.
The present perfect tense (have always been) usually changes to the past perfect tense (had always been).
Direct speech: “They had already eaten when I arrived” Reported speech: He said they’d already eaten
when he’d arrived.
Reporting verbs
In the sentence "James said that he was my neighbour", said is a reporting verb (was is a reported verb).
There are other reporting verbs we can use depending on the statement. We can also use the verbs
like told, offered and promised. Let's take a look at some examples.
Told
"My brother is buying a car" said Anne (direct speech) becomes Anne told me (that) her brother was buying a
car.
Use told + person + what was said. Don't use told with to: Anne told to me (that) her brother was buying a
car is not correct.
Offered
Use offered + to + infinitive verb.
"I'll do the shopping for you", said Simon becomes Simon offered to do the shopping for us .
Promised
Use promise + to + infinitive verb
"I'll buy you lunch", said Mark becomes Mark promised to buy me lunch.
OR Promise + clause (change the tense of the verb):
Mark promised (that) he would buy me lunch.
UNIT 5
They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a little beach house.
2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (Evidence)
Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.
I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)
I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)
Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions.
3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.
I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.
Zero Conditional
We can make a zero conditional sentence with two present simple verbs (one in the 'if clause' and one in the
'main clause'):
This conditional is used when the result will always happen. So, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils.
It's a fact. I'm talking in general, not about one particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is always the
main clause.
The 'if' in this conditional can usually be replaced by 'when' without changing the meaning.
First Conditional
The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause:
It's used to talk about things which might happen in the future. Of course, we can't know what will happen in
the future, but this describes possible things, which could easily come true.
The first conditional describes a particular situation, whereas the zero conditional describes what happens in
general.
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and preposition, a verb and an adverb, or a verb with both an adverb
and a preposition.
A phrasal verb has a meaning which is different from the original verb.
The adverb or preposition that follows the verb are sometimes called a particle. The particle changes the
meaning of the phrasal verb in idiomatic ways.
They are also known as ‘compound verbs’, ‘verb-adverb combinations’, ‘verb-particle constructions", “two-part
words/verbs’ and ‘three-part words/verbs’ (depending on the number of words).
Phrasal verbs are usually used informally in everyday speech as opposed to the more formal Latinate verbs,
such as “to get together” rather than “to congregate”, “to put off” rather than “to postpone”, or “to get out” rather
than “to exit”. They should be avoided in academic writing.
Second Conditional
The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive:
(We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal writing).
First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining
some dream for example.
She would travel all over the world if she were rich.
Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible, because it's not true.
Wish and ‘If only’ are both used to talk about regrets – things that we would like to change either about the
past or the present.
I wish I’d studied harder when I was at school. He didn’t study harder when he was at school.
I wish I hadn’t eaten all that chocolate. I feel sick.
Both wish and if only are followed by the past perfect tense when we talk about past regrets.
We use wish + would to talk about something in the present that we would like to change – usually something
that we find annoying.
UNIT 7
We can use have to + infinitive, must + infinitive and should + infinitive to express obligation (something
you have to do).
Present Positive
Be careful about the difference between mustn't and don't have to!
Mustn't means it's not allowed, or it's a bad idea:
Don't have to means you don't need to do something, but it's fine if you want to do it:
I don't have to get up early at the weekend(of course, if I want to get up early, that's fine, but I can stay
in bed if I want).
Past Positive
should have + pp / shouldn't a past action which didn't happen: the advice / regret is too late
have + pp
You should have gone to bed earlier, now you have missed the train.
Comparatives Superlatives
Comparatives are used to compare two Superlatives are used to compare more than two things or two
things or two people: people. Superlative sentences usually use 'the':
Alan is taller than John. Alan is the most intelligent.
UNIT 8
INDEFINITE PRONOUNS
The indefinite pronouns are:
LINKERS OF CONTRAST
BUT / HOWEVER
But is more informal than however. You can use however at the beginning of a sentence, but you can’t
use but at the beginning of a sentence (in written English).
I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy for me.
I tried to lift the box. However, it was too heavy for me.
ALTHOUGH / EVEN THOUGH
These linking words are the same, and they are both followed by a subject + verb.
Although I exercise every day, I can’t seem to lose any weight.
She still loves him, even though he treated her very badly.
DESPITE / IN SPITE OF
These linking words are the same, and they are followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form of the verb, which
can function as a noun).
Our plane arrived on time in spite of the delay during takeoff.
We won the game despite having two fewer players.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT / IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT
These phrases are followed by a subject + verb.
Our plane arrived on time in spite of the fact that it left 30 minutes late.
We won the game despite the fact that we had two fewer players.
WHILE / WHEREAS / UNLIKE
These linking words are used to make contrasts. While and whereas are usually used between two complete
phrases. Unlike is typically used with only a subject.
I like tennis, while my brother prefers bowling.
This cell phone plan costs $0.05 per minute, whereas that one gives you up to 800 minutes per month
for a fixed price.
His boss allows him to work from home, unlike mine.
She’s very friendly, unlike her sister.
Clauses of purpose
to + infinitive; David went out to buy a bottle of wine.
in order to/so as to + infinitive (formal); We were asked to say over in order to finish the project.
so that + can/will – used for a present or future reference; Here’s my number so that you can call me if you
have a problem.
so that +could/would – used for a past reference; We left early so that we would be able to park close to the
stadium.
in case + present tense – present or future reference – Take your hat in case it gets too hot.
in case + past tense – used for past reference – We took an umbrella in case it rained.
for + noun – used to express purpose – We went out for a pizza.
for + -ing – used to express purpose and/or function of something – This function on the air conditioner is for
reducing humidity.
Negatives
For negative purpose we use:
in order not to/so as not to + infinitive – we walked in quietly so as not to wake up the children.
prevent + noun/pronoun + from + ing – I parked the car under a tree to prevent it from getting too hot.
UNIT 9
relative clauses
We use defining relative clauses to give essential information about someone or something – information that
we need in order to understand what or who is being referred to. A defining relative clause usually comes
immediately after the noun it describes.
We usually use a relative pronoun (e.g. who, that, which, whose and whom) to introduce a defining relative
clause
We use non-defining relative clauses to give extra information about the person or thing. It is not necessary
information. We don’t need it to understand who or what is being referred to.
We always use a relative pronoun (who, which, whose or whom) to introduce a non-defining relative clause
Articles
Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.
The definite article is the word the. It limits the meaning of a noun to one particular thing. The definite article
The indefinite article takes two forms. It’s the word a when it precedes a word that begins with a consonant. It’s
the word an when it precedes a word that begins with a vowel. The indefinite article indicates that a noun refers
to a general idea rather than a particular thing. The indefinite article only appears with singular nouns.
Exceptions: Choosing A or An
There are a few exceptions to the general rule of using a before words that start with consonants
Similarly, when the first letter of a word is a vowel but is pronounced with a consonant sound, use a. This holds
true with acronyms and initialisms, too: an LCD display, a UK-based company, an HR department, a URL.
UNIT 10
Third Conditional
We make the third conditional by using the past perfect after 'if' and then 'would have' and the past
participle in the second part of the sentence:
It talks about the past. It's used to describe a situation that didn't happen, and to imagine the result of this
situation.
If she had studied, she would have passed the exam (but, really we know she didn't study and so she
didn't pass)
modal verbs
may might
shall should
will would
mus
t
Modal verbs are used to express ability, obligation, permission, assumptions, probability and possibility,
requests and offers, and advice. Each modal verb can have more than meaning which depends on the context
of that sentence (or question).
to + infinitive
disappointed
glad
sad
happy
anxious
pleased
surprised
proud
unhappy
able
unable
due
eager
keen
likely
unlikely
ready
prepared
unwilling
willing
We often use the to-infinitive with these adjectives after it to give opinions:
difficult
easy
possible
impossible
hard
right
wrong
kind
nice
clever
silly
foolish
It’s easy to play the piano, but it’s very difficult to play well.
He spoke so quickly it was impossible to understand him.
We use the preposition for to show who these adjectives refer to:
difficult
easy
possible
impossible
hard
ability
desire
need
wish
attempt
failure
opportunity
chance
intention
UNIT 11
Future Perfect
Future perfect has two different forms: "will have done" and "be going to have done." Unlike simple
future forms, future perfect forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Perfect with "Will"
Examples:
You will have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
Will you have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.?
You will not have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
Examples:
You are going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
Are you going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.?
You are not going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the future perfect with little or no difference in
meaning.
The future perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before
another action in the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future.
Examples:
By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
Examples:
I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.
By Monday, Susan is going to have had my book for a week.
Future Continuous
Future continuous has two different forms: "will be doing " and "be going to be doing." Unlike simple
future forms, future continuous forms are usually interchangeable.
Examples:
You will be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Will you be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You will not be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Examples:
You are going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Are you going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You are not going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
REMEMBER: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the future continuous with little
difference in meaning.
Use the future continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future
will be interrupted by a shorter action in the future. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an
interruption in time.
Examples:
I am going to be staying at the Madison Hotel, if anything happens and you need to contact me.
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when she arrives.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption in the Future
Examples:
REMEMBER
In the simple future, a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin or end. In the future
continuous, a specific time interrupts the action.
Examples:
When you use the future continuous with two actions in the same
sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
In English, we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere at a specific point in the future.
Example:
When I arrive at the party, everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be dancing. Others are
going to be talking. A few people will be eating pizza, and several people are going to be
drinking beer. They always do the same thing.
Future in the Past
Like simple future, future in the past has two different forms in English: would and was going to. Although the
two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two different meanings.
FORM Would
[would + VERB]
Examples:
Examples:
Future in the past is used to express the idea that in the past you
thought something would happen in the future. It does not matter if you are correct or not. Future in the past
follows the same basic rules as the simple future. "Would" is used to volunteer or promise, and "was going to"
is used to plan. Moreover, both forms can be used to make predictions about the future.
Examples:
Jane said Sam was going to bring his sister with him, but he came alone. plan
Passive Form
In passive sentences, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing doing the
action is optionally included near the end of the sentence. You can use the passive form if you think that the
thing receiving the action is more important or should be emphasized. You can also use the passive form if you
do not know who is doing the action or if you do not want to mention who is doing the action.
[Thing receiving action] + [be] + [past participle of verb] + [by] + [thing doing action]
Examples:
Used To
FORM
[used to + VERB]
Example:
Used to expresses the idea that something was an old habit that
stopped in the past. It indicates that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.
Examples:
Examples:
Do not confuse be used to with with the special structure used to do. They have different meanings.
Structure of be used to
+ I am used to horses.
Note that if the object involves a verb, we use the -ing form (-ing form):
Use of be used to
The be used to expression is for talking about something that is familiar to us or easy for us.
We can use be used to in any tense. We just conjugate the verb be in the tense that we need.
UNIT 12
Question tags
Question tags are the short questions that we put on the end of sentences.
Positive/negative
If the main part of the sentence is positive, the question tag is negative ….
The question tag uses the same verb as the main part of the sentence. If this is an auxiliary verb (‘have’, ‘be’)
then the question tag is made with the auxiliary verb.
If the main part of the sentence doesn’t have an auxiliary verb, the question tag uses an appropriate form of
‘do’.
If there is a modal verb in the main part of the sentence the question tag uses the same modal verb.
With ‘I am’
Be careful with question tags with sentences that start ‘I am’. The question tag for ‘I am’ is ‘aren’t I?’