Simple Present

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USE 1 Repeated Actions
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.
Examples:
I play tennis.
She does not play tennis.
oes he play tennis!
The train leaves every morning at " #$.
The train does not leave at % #$.
&hen does the train usually leave!
She al'ays forgets her purse.
(e never forgets his 'allet.
Every t'elve months, the Earth circles the Sun.
oes the Sun circle the Earth!
USE 2 Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Present can also indicate the spea)er believes that a fact 'as true before, is true no', and
'ill be true in the future. It is not important if the spea)er is correct about the fact. It is also used to ma)e
generali*ations about people or things.
Examples:
+ats li)e mil).
,irds do not li)e mil).
o pigs li)e mil)!
+alifornia is in #merica.
+alifornia is not in the United -ingdom.
&indo's are made of glass.
&indo's are not made of 'ood.
.e' /or) is a small city. IT IS .0T I$P01T#.T T(#T T(IS 2#+T IS U.T1UE.
USE 3 Schedled E!ents in the "ear Ftre
Spea)ers occasionally use Simple Present to tal) about scheduled events in the near future. This is most
commonly done 'hen tal)ing about public transportation, but it can be used 'ith other scheduled events
as 'ell.
Examples:
The train leaves tonight at 3 P$.
The bus does not arrive at 44 #$, it arrives at 44 P$.
&hen do 'e board the plane!
The party starts at " o5cloc).
&hen does class begin tomorro'!
USE # "ow $"on%&ontinos 'er(s)
Spea)ers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not
happening no'. This can only be done 'ith.on6+ontinuous 7erbs and certain $ixed 7erbs.
Examples:
I am here no'.
She is not here no'.
(e needs help right no'.
(e does not need help no'.
(e has his passport in his hand.
o you have your passport 'ith you!
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou only spea) English.
o you only spea) English!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
0nce a 'ee), Tom cleans the car. #+TI7E
0nce a 'ee), the car is cleaned by Tom. P#SSI7E
,resent &ontinos
USE 1 "ow
Use the Present +ontinuous 'ith .ormal 7erbs to express the idea that something is happening no', at
this very moment. It can also be used to sho' that something is not happening no'.
Examples:
/ou are learning English no'.
/ou are not s'imming no'.
#re you sleeping!
I am sitting.
I am not standing.
Is he sitting or standing!
They are reading their boo)s.
They are not 'atching television.
&hat are you doing!
&hy aren5t you doing your home'or)!
USE 2 -onger Actions in ,rogress "ow
In English, 9no'9 can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes,
'e use the Present +ontinuous to say that 'e are in the process of doing a longer action 'hich is in
progress: ho'ever, 'e might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: ;#ll of these sentences can be said 'hile eating dinner in a restaurant.<
I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not studying to become a dentist.
I am reading the boo) Tom Sa'yer.
I am not reading any boo)s right no'.
#re you 'or)ing on any special pro8ects at 'or)!
#ren5t you teaching at the university no'!
USE 3 "ear Ftre
Sometimes, spea)ers use the Present +ontinuous to indicate that something 'ill or 'ill not happen in the
near future.
Examples:
I am meeting some friends after 'or).
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next 'ee)end!
Isn5t he coming 'ith us tonight!
USE # Repetition and 0rritation with 1Alwa2s1
The Present +ontinuous 'ith 'ords such as 9al'ays9 or 9constantly9 expresses the idea that something
irritating or shoc)ing often happens. .otice that the meaning is li)e Simple Present, but 'ith negative
emotion. 1emember to put the 'ords 9al'ays9 or 9constantly9 bet'een 9be9 and 9verb=ing.9
Examples:
She is al'ays coming to class late.
(e is constantly tal)ing. I 'ish he 'ould shut up.
I don5t li)e them because they are al'ays complaining.
RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s/ .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
Present +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
She is loving this chocolate ice cream. "ot &orrect
She loves this chocolate ice cream. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou are still 'atching T7.
#re you still 'atching T7!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
1ight no', Tom is 'riting the letter. #+TI7E
1ight no', the letter is being 'ritten by Tom. P#SSI7E
,resent ,er4ect
USE 1 Unspeci4ied /ime +e4ore "ow
&e use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before no'. The exact
time is not important. /ou +#..0T use the Present Perfect 'ith specific time expressions such as:
yesterday, one year ago, last 'ee), 'hen I 'as a child, 'hen I lived in >apan, at that moment, that day,
one day, etc. &e +#. use the Present Perfect 'ith unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once,
many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.
Examples:
I have seen that movie t'enty times.
I thin) I have met him once before.
There have been many earth?ua)es in +alifornia.
People have traveled to the $oon.
People have not traveled to $ars.
(ave you read the boo) yet!
.obody has ever climbed that mountain.
#: (as there ever been a 'ar in the United States!
,: /es, there has been a 'ar in the United States.
5ow *o 6o Actall2 Use the ,resent ,er4ect7
The concept of 9unspecified time9 can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to associate
Present Perfect 'ith the follo'ing topics:
/8,0& 1 E3perience
/ou can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is li)e saying, 9I have the experience of...9
/ou can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience. The Present Perfect is
.0T used to describe a specific event.
Examples:
I have been to 2rance.
T(IS SE.TE.+E $E#.S T(#T /0U (#7E (# T(E E@PE1IE.+E 02 ,EI.A I. 21#.+E. $#/,E /0U (#7E ,EE. T(E1E
0.+E, 01 SE7E1#B TI$ES.
I have been to 2rance three times.
/0U +#. # T(E .U$,E1 02 TI$ES #T T(E E. 02 T(E SE.TE.+E.
I have never been to 2rance.
T(IS SE.TE.+E $E#.S T(#T /0U (#7E .0T (# T(E E@PE1IE.+E 02 A0I.A T0 21#.+E.
I thin) I have seen that movie before.
(e has never traveled by train.
>oan has studied t'o foreign languages.
#: (ave you ever met him!
,: .o, I have not met him.
/8,0& 2 &hange 8!er /ime
&e often use the Present Perfect to tal) about change that has happened over a period of time.
Examples:
/ou have gro'n since the last time I sa' you.
The government has become more interested in arts education.
>apanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the #sian studies
program 'as established.
$y English has really improved since I moved to #ustralia.
/8,0& 3 Accomplishments
&e often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. /ou cannot
mention a specific time.
Examples:
$an has 'al)ed on the $oon.
0ur son has learned ho' to read.
octors have cured many deadly diseases.
Scientists have split the atom.
/8,0& # An Uncompleted Action 6o Are E3pecting
&e often use the Present Perfect to say that an action 'hich 'e expected has not happened. Using the
Present Perfect suggests that 'e are still 'aiting for the action to happen.
Examples:
>ames has not finished his home'or) yet.
Susan hasn5t mastered >apanese, but she can communicate.
,ill has still not arrived.
The rain hasn5t stopped.
/8,0& 9 .ltiple Actions at *i44erent /imes
&e also use the Present Perfect to tal) about several different actions 'hich have occurred in the past at
different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are possible.
Examples:
The army has attac)ed that city five times.
I have had four ?ui**es and five tests so far this semester.
&e have had many ma8or problems 'hile 'or)ing on this pro8ect.
She has tal)ed to several specialists about her problem, but nobody )no's 'hy she is sic).
/ime E3pressions with ,resent ,er4ect
&hen 'e use the Present Perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives
before no'. 1emember, the exact time the action happened is not important.
Sometimes, 'e 'ant to limit the time 'e are loo)ing in for an experience. &e can do this 'ith
expressions such as: in the last 'ee), in the last year, this 'ee), this month, so far, up to no', etc.
Examples:
(ave you been to $exico in the last year!
I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
They have had three tests in the last 'ee).
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has 'or)ed for three different
companies so far.
$y car has bro)en do'n three times this 'ee).
"8/0&E
9Bast year9 and 9in the last year9 are very different in meaning. 9Bast year9 means the year before no',
and it is considered a specific time 'hich re?uires Simple Past. 9In the last year9 means from C3D days
ago until no'. It is not considered a specific time, so it re?uires Present Perfect.
Examples:
I 'ent to $exico last year.
I &E.T T0 $E@I+0 I. T(E +#BE.#1 /E#1 ,E201E T(IS 0.E.
I have been to $exico in the last year.
I (#7E ,EE. T0 $E@I+0 #T BE#ST 0.+E #T S0$E P0I.T ,ET&EE. C3D #/S #A0 #. .0&.
USE 2 *ration From the ,ast Until "ow $"on%&ontinos 'er(s)
&ith .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and non6continuous uses of $ixed 7erbs, 'e use the Present Perfect to
sho' that something started in the past and has continued up until no'. 92or five minutes,9 9for t'o
'ee)s,9 and 9since Tuesday9 are all durations 'hich can be used 'ith the Present Perfect.
Examples:
I have had a cold for t'o 'ee)s.
She has been in England for six months.
$ary has loved chocolate since she 'as a little girl.
#lthough the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and non6
continuous uses of $ixed 7erbs, the 'ords 9live,9 9'or),9 9teach,9 and 9study9 are sometimes used in this
'ay even though they are .0T .on6+ontinuous 7erbs.
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou have only seen that movie one time.
(ave you only seen that movie one time!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
$any tourists have visited that castle. #+TI7E
That castle has been visited by many tourists. P#SSI7E
,resent ,er4ect &ontinos
USE 1 *ration 4rom the ,ast Until "ow
&e use the Present Perfect +ontinuous to sho' that something started in the past and has continued up
until no'. 92or five minutes,9 9for t'o 'ee)s,9 and 9since Tuesday9 are all durations 'hich can be used
'ith the Present Perfect +ontinuous.
Examples:
They have been tal)ing for the last hour.
She has been 'or)ing at that company for three years.
&hat have you been doing for the last CE minutes!
>ames has been teaching at the university since >une.
&e have been 'aiting here for over t'o hoursF
&hy has .ancy not been ta)ing her medicine for the last three days!
USE 2 Recentl2: -atel2
/ou can also use the Present Perfect +ontinuous &IT(0UT a duration such as 9for t'o 'ee)s.9 &ithout
the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of 9lately.9 &e often use the 'ords 9lately9 or
9recently9 to emphasi*e this meaning.
Examples:
1ecently, I have been feeling really tired.
She has been 'atching too much television lately.
(ave you been exercising lately!
$ary has been feeling a little depressed.
Bisa has not been practicing her English.
&hat have you been doing!
0.,8R/A"/
1emember that the Present Perfect +ontinuous has the meaning of 9lately9 or 9recently.9 If you use the
Present Perfect +ontinuous in a ?uestion such as 9(ave you been feeling alright!9, it can suggest that the
person loo)s sic) or unhealthy. # ?uestion such as 9(ave you been smo)ing!9 can suggest that you smell
the smo)e on the person. Using this tense in a ?uestion suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the
results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.
RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s/ .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
Present Perfect +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use Present Perfect.
Examples:
Sam has been having his car for t'o years. "ot &orrect
Sam has had his car for t'o years. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou have only been 'aiting here for one hour.
(ave you only been 'aiting here for one hour!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
1ecently, >ohn has been doing the 'or). #+TI7E
1ecently, the 'or) has been being done by >ohn. P#SSI7E
Simple ,ast
USE 1 &ompleted Action in the ,ast
Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past.
Sometimes, the spea)er may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in
mind.
Examples:
I sa' a movie yesterday.
I didn5t see a play yesterday.
Bast year, I traveled to >apan.
Bast year, I didn5t travel to -orea.
id you have dinner last night!
She 'ashed her car.
(e didn5t 'ash his car.
USE 2 A Series o4 &ompleted Actions
&e use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 4st, Gnd,
Crd, Hth, and so on.
Examples:
I finished 'or), 'al)ed to the beach, and found a nice place to s'im.
(e arrived from the airport at ":EE, chec)ed into the hotel at %:EE, and met the others at 4E:EE.
id you add flour, pour in the mil), and then add the eggs!
USE 3 *ration in ,ast
The Simple Past can be used 'ith a duration 'hich starts and stops in the past. # duration is a longer
action often indicated by expressions such as: for t'o years, for five minutes, all day, all year, etc.
Examples:
I lived in ,ra*il for t'o years.
Shauna studied >apanese for five years.
They sat at the beach all day.
They did not stay at the party the entire time.
&e tal)ed on the phone for thirty minutes.
#: (o' long did you 'ait for them!
,: &e 'aited for one hour.
USE # 5a(its in the ,ast
The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit 'hich stopped in the past. It can have the same
meaning as 9used to.9 To ma)e it clear that 'e are tal)ing about a habit, 'e often add expressions such
as: al'ays, often, usually, never, 'hen I 'as a child, 'hen I 'as younger, etc.
Examples:
I studied 2rench 'hen I 'as a child.
(e played the violin.
(e didn5t play the piano.
id you play a musical instrument 'hen you 'ere a )id!
She 'or)ed at the movie theater after school.
They never 'ent to school, they al'ays s)ipped class.
USE 9 ,ast Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Past can also be used to describe past facts or generali*ations 'hich are no longer true. #s
in USE H above, this use of the Simple Past is ?uite similar to the expression 9used to.9
Examples:
She 'as shy as a child, but no' she is very outgoing.
(e didn5t li)e tomatoes before.
id you live in Texas 'hen you 'ere a )id!
People paid much more to ma)e cell phone calls in the past.
0.,8R/A"/ ;hen%&lases 5appen First
+lauses are groups of 'ords 'hich have meaning but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses
begin 'ith the 'ord 9'hen9 such as 9'hen I dropped my pen...9 or 9'hen class began...9 These clauses
are called 'hen6clauses, and they are very important. The examples belo' contain 'hen6clauses.
Examples:
&hen I paid her one dollar, she ans'ered my ?uestion.
She ans'ered my ?uestion 'hen I paid her one dollar.
&hen6clauses are important because they al'ays happen first 'hen both clauses are in the Simple Past.
,oth of the examples above mean the same thing: first, I paid her one dollar, and then, she ans'ered my
?uestion. It is not important 'hether 9'hen I paid her one dollar9 is at the beginning of the sentence or at
the end of the sentence. (o'ever, the example belo' has a different meaning. 2irst, she ans'ered my
?uestion, and then, I paid her one dollar.
Example:
I paid her one dollar 'hen she ans'ered my ?uestion.
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 8ust called ebbie.
id you 8ust call ebbie!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
Tom repaired the car. #+TI7E
The car 'as repaired by Tom. P#SSI7E
,ast &ontinos
USE 1 0nterrpted Action in the ,ast
Use the Past +ontinuous to indicate that a longer action in the past 'as interrupted. The interruption is
usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. 1emember this can be a real interruption or 8ust an
interruption in time.
Examples:
I 'as 'atching T7 'hen she called.
&hen the phone rang, she 'as 'riting a letter.
&hile 'e 'ere having the picnic, it started to rain.
&hat 'ere you doing 'hen the earth?ua)e started!
I 'as listening to my iPod, so I didn5t hear the fire alarm.
/ou 'ere not listening to me 'hen I told you to turn the oven off.
&hile >ohn 'as sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
Sammy 'as 'aiting for us 'hen 'e got off the plane.
&hile I 'as 'riting the email, the computer suddenly 'ent off.
#: &hat 'ere you doing 'hen you bro)e your leg!
,: I 'as sno'boarding.
USE 2 Speci4ic /ime as an 0nterrption
In USE 4, described above, the Past +ontinuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past.
(o'ever, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
Bast night at 3 P$, I 'as eating dinner.
#t midnight, 'e 'ere still driving through the desert.
/esterday at this time, I 'as sitting at my des) at 'or).
0.,8R/A"/
In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to sho' 'hen an action began or finished. In the Past
+ontinuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
Examples:
Bast night at 3 P$, I ate dinner.
I ST#1TE E#TI.A #T 3 P$.
Bast night at 3 P$, I 'as eating dinner.
I ST#1TE E#1BIE1: #. #T 3 P$, I &#S I. T(E P10+ESS 02 E#TI.A I..E1.
USE 3 ,arallel Actions
&hen you use the Past +ontinuous 'ith t'o actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both
actions 'ere happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
I 'as studying 'hile he 'as ma)ing dinner.
&hile Ellen 'as reading, Tim 'as 'atching television.
&ere you listening 'hile he 'as tal)ing!
I 'asn5t paying attention 'hile I 'as 'riting the letter, so I made several mista)es.
&hat 'ere you doing 'hile you 'ere 'aiting!
Thomas 'asn5t 'or)ing, and I 'asn5t 'or)ing either.
They 'ere eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE # Atmosphere
In English, 'e often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the
past.
Example:
&hen I 'al)ed into the office, several people 'ere busily typing, some 'ere tal)ing on the
phones, the boss 'as yelling directions, and customers 'ere 'aiting to be helped. 0ne customer
'as yelling at a secretary and 'aving his hands. 0thers 'ere complaining to each other about
the bad service.
USE 9 Repetition and 0rritation with 1Alwa2s1
The Past +ontinuous 'ith 'ords such as 9al'ays9 or 9constantly9 expresses the idea that something
irritating or shoc)ing often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression 9used to9
but 'ith negative emotion. 1emember to put the 'ords 9al'ays9 or 9constantly9 bet'een 9be9 and
9verb=ing.9
Examples:
She 'as al'ays coming to class late.
(e 'as constantly tal)ing. (e annoyed everyone.
I didn5t li)e them because they 'ere al'ays complaining.
;hile !s. ;hen
+lauses are groups of 'ords 'hich have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses
begin 'ith the 'ord 9'hen9 such as 9'hen she called9 or 9'hen it bit me.9 0ther clauses begin 'ith
9'hile9 such as 9'hile she 'as sleeping9 and 9'hile he 'as surfing.9 &hen you tal) about things in the
past, 9'hen9 is most often follo'ed by the verb tense Simple Past, 'hereas 9'hile9 is usually follo'ed by
Past +ontinuous. 9&hile9 expresses the idea of 9during that time.9 Study the examples belo'. They have
similar meanings, but they emphasi*e different parts of the sentence.
Examples:
I 'as studying 'hen she called.
&hile I 'as studying, she called.
RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s / .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
Past +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use Simple Past.
Examples:
>ane 'as being at my house 'hen you arrived. "ot &orrect
>ane 'as at my house 'hen you arrived. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 'ere 8ust studying 'hen she called.
&ere you 8ust studying 'hen she called!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
The salesman 'as helping the customer 'hen the thief came into the store. #+TI7E
The customer 'as being helped by the salesman 'hen the thief came into the store. P#SSI7E
,ast ,er4ect
USE 1 &ompleted Action +e4ore Something in the ,ast
The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can
also sho' that something happened before a specific time in the past.
Examples:
I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I 'ent to -auai.
I did not have any money because I had lost my 'allet.
Tony )ne' Istanbul so 'ell because he had visited the city several times.
(ad Susan ever studied Thai before she moved to Thailand!
She only understood the movie because she had read the boo).
-ristine had never been to an opera before last night.
&e 'ere not able to get a hotel room because 'e had not boo)ed in advance.
#: (ad you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in GEE3!
,: /es, I had been to the U.S. once before.
USE 2 *ration +e4ore Something in the ,ast $"on%&ontinos 'er(s)
&ith .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and some non6continuous uses of $ixed 7erbs, 'e use the Past Perfect to
sho' that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.
Examples:
&e had had that car for ten years before it bro)e do'n.
,y the time #lex finished his studies, he had been in Bondon for over eight years.
They felt bad about selling the house because they had o'ned it for more than forty years.
#lthough the above use of Past Perfect is normally limited to .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and non6continuous
uses of $ixed 7erbs, the 'ords 9live,9 9'or),9 9teach,9 and 9study9 are sometimes used in this 'ay even
though they are .0T .on6+ontinuous 7erbs.
0.,8R/A"/ Speci4ic /imes with the ,ast ,er4ect
Unli)e 'ith the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time 'ords or phrases 'ith the Past Perfect.
#lthough this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
Example:
She had visited her >apanese relatives once in 4%%C before she moved in 'ith them in 4%%3.
.8RE8'ER
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past
Perfect 'hen 9before9 or 9after9 is used in the sentence. The 'ords 9before9 and 9after9 actually tell you
'hat happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. 2or this reason, both sentences belo' are correct.
Examples:
She had visited her >apanese relatives once in 4%%C before she moved in 'ith them in 4%%3.
She visited her >apanese relatives once in 4%%C before she moved in 'ith them in 4%%3.
58;E'ER
If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional. +ompare the
examples belo'. (ere Past Perfect is referring to a lac) of experience rather than an action at a specific
time. 2or this reason, Simple Past cannot be used.
Examples:
She never sa' a bear before she moved to #las)a. "ot &orrect
She had never seen a bear before she moved to #las)a. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou had previously studied English before you moved to .e' /or).
(ad you previously studied English before you moved to .e' /or)!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
Aeorge had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic5s license. #+TI7E
$any cars had been repaired by Aeorge before he received his mechanic5s license. P#SSI7E
Past Perfect +ontinuous
USE 1 *ration +e4ore Something in the ,ast
&e use the Past Perfect +ontinuous to sho' that something started in the past and continued up until
another time in the past. 92or five minutes9 and 9for t'o 'ee)s9 are both durations 'hich can be used
'ith the Past Perfect +ontinuous. .otice that this is related to the Present Perfect +ontinuous: ho'ever,
the duration does not continue until no', it stops before something else in the past.
Examples:
They had been tal)ing for over an hour before Tony arrived.
She had been 'or)ing at that company for three years 'hen it 'ent out of business.
(o' long had you been 'aiting to get on the bus!
$i)e 'anted to sit do'n because he had been standing all day at 'or).
>ames had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for #sia.
#: (o' long had you been studying Tur)ish before you moved to #n)ara!
,: I had not been studying Tur)ish very long.
USE 2 &ase o4 Something in the ,ast
Using the Past Perfect +ontinuous before another action in the past is a good 'ay to sho' cause and
effect.
Examples:
>ason 'as tired because he had been 8ogging.
Sam gained 'eight because he had been overeating.
,etty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.
,ast &ontinos !s. ,ast ,er4ect &ontinos
If you do not include a duration such as 9for five minutes,9 9for t'o 'ee)s9 or 9since 2riday,9 many English
spea)ers choose to use the Past +ontinuous rather than the Past Perfect +ontinuous. ,e careful
because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past +ontinuous emphasi*es interrupted actions,
'hereas Past Perfect +ontinuous emphasi*es a duration of time before something in the past. Study the
examples belo' to understand the difference.
Examples:
(e 'as tired because he 'as exercising so hard.
T(IS SE.TE.+E E$P(#SIIES T(#T (E &#S TI1E ,E+#USE (E &#S E@E1+ISI.A #T T(#T E@#+T $0$E.T.
(e 'as tired because he had been exercising so hard.
T(IS SE.TE.+E E$P(#SIIES T(#T (E &#S TI1E ,E+#USE (E (# ,EE. E@E1+ISI.A 07E1 # PE1I0 02 TI$E. IT IS
P0SSI,BE T(#T (E &#S STIBB E@E1+ISI.A #T T(#T $0$E.T 01 T(#T (E (# >UST 2I.IS(E.
RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s / .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
Past Perfect +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.
Examples:
The motorcycle had been belonging to Aeorge for years before Tina bought it. "ot &orrect
The motorcycle had belonged to Aeorge for years before Tina bought it. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou had only been 'aiting there for a fe' minutes 'hen she arrived.
(ad you only been 'aiting there for a fe' minutes 'hen she arrived!
Simple 2uture
USE 1 1;ill1 to E3press a 'olntar2 Action
9&ill9 often suggests that a spea)er 'ill do something voluntarily. # voluntary action is one the spea)er
offers to do for someone else. 0ften, 'e use 9'ill9 to respond to someone else5s complaint or re?uest for
help. &e also use 9'ill9 'hen 'e re?uest that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us.
Similarly, 'e use 9'ill not9 or 9'on5t9 'hen 'e refuse to voluntarily do something.
Examples:
I 'ill send you the information 'hen I get it.
I 'ill translate the email, so $r. Smith can read it.
&ill you help me move this heavy table!
&ill you ma)e dinner!
I 'ill not do your home'or) for you.
I 'on5t do all the house'or) myselfF
#: I5m really hungry.
,: I5ll ma)e some sand'iches.
#: I5m so tired. I5m about to fall asleep.
,: I5ll get you some coffee.
#: The phone is ringing.
,: I5ll get it.
USE 2 1;ill1 to E3press a ,romise
9&ill9 is usually used in promises.
Examples:
I 'ill call you 'hen I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I 'ill ma)e sure everyone has access to
inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I 'ill not tell him about the surprise party.
on5t 'orry, I5ll be careful.
I 'on5t tell anyone your secret.
USE 3 1+e going to1 to E3press a ,lan
9,e going to9 expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do
something in the future. It does not matter 'hether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples:
(e is going to spend his vacation in (a'aii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in (a'aii.
#: &hen are 'e going to meet each other tonight!
,: &e are going to meet at 3 P$.
I5m going to be an actor 'hen I gro' up.
$ichelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the 'ay to #las)a.
&ho are you going to invite to the party!
#: &ho is going to ma)e >ohn5s birthday ca)e!
,: Sue is going to ma)e >ohn5s birthday ca)e.
USE # 1;ill1 or 1+e Going to1 to E3press a ,rediction
,oth 9'ill9 and 9be going to9 can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are
guesses about 'hat might happen in the future. In 9prediction9 sentences, the sub8ect usually has little
control over the future and therefore USES 46C do not apply. In the follo'ing examples, there is no
difference in meaning.
Examples:
The year GGGG 'ill be a very interesting year.
The year GGGG is going to be a very interesting year.
>ohn Smith 'ill be the next President.
>ohn Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie 9Ienith9 'ill 'in several #cademy #'ards.
The movie 9Ienith9 is going to 'in several #cademy #'ards.
0.,8R/A"/
In the Simple 2uture, it is not al'ays clear 'hich USE the spea)er has in mind. 0ften, there is more than
one 'ay to interpret a sentence5s meaning.
"o Ftre in /ime &lases
Bi)e all future forms, the Simple 2uture cannot be used in clauses beginning 'ith time expressions such
as: 'hen, 'hile, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Simple 2uture, Simple
Present is used.
Examples:
&hen you 'ill arrive tonight, 'e 'ill go out for dinner. "ot &orrect
&hen you arrive tonight, 'e 'ill go out for dinner. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 'ill never help him.
&ill you ever help him!
/ou are never going to meet >ane.
#re you ever going to meet >ane!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
>ohn 'ill finish the 'or) by D:EE P$. #+TI7E
The 'or) 'ill be finished by D:EE P$. P#SSI7E
Sally is going to ma)e a beautiful dinner tonight. #+TI7E
# beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. P#SSI7E
2uture +ontinuous
USE 1 0nterrpted Action in the Ftre
Use the 2uture +ontinuous to indicate that a longer action in the future 'ill be interrupted by a shorter
action in the future. 1emember this can be a real interruption or 8ust an interruption in time.
Examples:
I 'ill be 'atching T7 'hen she arrives tonight.
I 'ill be 'aiting for you 'hen your bus arrives.
I am going to be staying at the $adison (otel, if anything happens and you need to contact me.
(e 'ill be studying at the library tonight, so he 'ill not see >ennifer 'hen she arrives.
.otice in the examples above that the interruptions ;mar)ed in italics< are in Simple Present rather than
Simple 2uture. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in
time clauses.
USE 2 Speci4ic /ime as an 0nterrption in the Ftre
In USE 4, described above, the 2uture +ontinuous is interrupted by a short action in the future. In addition
to using short actions as interruptions, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
Tonight at 3 P$, I am going to be eating dinner.
I &IBB ,E I. T(E P10+ESS 02 E#TI.A I..E1.
#t midnight tonight, 'e 'ill still be driving through the desert.
&E &IBB ,E I. T(E P10+ESS 02 1I7I.A T(10UA( T(E ESE1T.
RE.E.+ER
In the Simple 2uture, a specific time is used to sho' the time an action 'ill begin or end. In the 2uture
+ontinuous, a specific time interrupts the action.
Examples:
Tonight at 3 P$, I am going to eat dinner.
I #$ A0I.A T0 ST#1T E#TI.A #T 3 P$.
Tonight at 3 P$, I am going to be eating dinner.
I #$ A0I.A T0 ST#1T E#1BIE1 #. I &IBB ,E I. T(E P10+ESS 02 E#TI.A I..E1 #T 3 P$.
USE 3 ,arallel Actions in the Ftre
&hen you use the 2uture +ontinuous 'ith t'o actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that
both actions 'ill be happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
I am going to be studying and he is going to be ma)ing dinner.
Tonight, they 'ill be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
&hile Ellen is reading, Tim 'ill be 'atching television.
.0TI+E 9IS 1E#I.A9 ,E+#USE 02 T(E TI$E +B#USE +0.T#I.I.A 9&(IBE.9 ;SEE E@PB#.#TI0. ,EB0& <
USE # Atmosphere in the Ftre
In English, 'e often use a series of Parallel #ctions to describe atmosphere at a specific point in the
future.
Example:
&hen I arrive at the party, everybody is going to be celebrating. Some 'ill be dancing. 0thers are
going to be tal)ing. # fe' people'ill be eating pi**a, and several people are going to be drin)ing
beer. They al'ays do the same thing.
RE.E.+ER "o Ftre in /ime &lases
Bi)e all future tenses, the 2uture +ontinuous cannot be used in clauses beginning 'ith time expressions
such as: 'hen, 'hile, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of 2uture +ontinuous,
Present +ontinuous is used.
Examples:
&hile I am going to be finishing my home'or), she is going to ma)e dinner. "ot &orrect
&hile I am finishing my home'or), she is going to ma)e dinner. &orrect
A"* RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s / .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
2uture +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use Simple 2uture.
Examples:
>ane 'ill be being at my house 'hen you arrive. "ot &orrect
>ane 'ill be at my house 'hen you arrive. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 'ill still be 'aiting for her 'hen her plane arrives.
&ill you still be 'aiting for her 'hen her plane arrives!
/ou are still going to be 'aiting for her 'hen her plane arrives.
#re you still going to be 'aiting for her 'hen her plane arrives!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
#t ":EE P$ tonight, >ohn 'ill be 'ashing the dishes. #+TI7E
#t ":EE P$ tonight, the dishes 'ill be being 'ashed by >ohn. P#SSI7E
#t ":EE P$ tonight, >ohn is going to be 'ashing the dishes. #+TI7E
#t ":EE P$ tonight, the dishes are going to be being 'ashed by >ohn. P#SSI7E
Ftre ,er4ect
USE 1 &ompleted Action +e4ore Something in the Ftre
The 2uture Perfect expresses the idea that something 'ill occur before another action in the future. It can
also sho' that something 'ill happen before a specific time in the future.
Examples:
,y next .ovember, I 'ill have received my promotion.
,y the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
I am not going to have finished this test by C o5cloc).
&ill she have learned enough +hinese to communicate before she moves to ,ei8ing!
Sam is probably going to have completed the proposal by the time he leaves this afternoon.
,y the time I finish this course, I 'ill have ta)en ten tests.
(o' many countries are you going to have visited by the time you turn DE!
.otice in the examples above that the reference points ;mar)ed in italics< are in Simple Present rather
than Simple 2uture. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future
tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 *ration +e4ore Something in the Ftre $"on%&ontinos 'er(s)
&ith .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and some non6continuous uses of $ixed 7erbs, 'e use the 2uture Perfect to
sho' that something 'ill continue up until another action in the future.
Examples:
I 'ill have been in Bondon for six months by the time I leave.
,y $onday, Susan is going to have had my boo) for a 'ee).
#lthough the above use of 2uture Perfect is normally limited to .on6+ontinuous 7erbs and non6
continuous uses of $ixed 7erbs, the 'ords 9live,9 9'or),9 9teach,9 and 9study9 are sometimes used in this
'ay even though they are .0T .on6+ontinuous 7erbs.
RE.E.+ER "o Ftre in /ime &lases
Bi)e all future forms, the 2uture Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning 'ith time expressions such
as: 'hen, 'hile, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of 2uture Perfect, Present
Perfect is used.
Examples:
I am going to see a movie 'hen I 'ill have finished my home'or). "ot &orrect
I am going to see a movie 'hen I have finished my home'or). &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 'ill only have learned a fe' 'ords.
&ill you only have learned a fe' 'ords!
/ou are only going to have learned a fe' 'ords.
#re you only going to have learned a fe' 'ords!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
They 'ill have completed the pro8ect before the deadline. #+TI7E
The pro8ect 'ill have been completed before the deadline. P#SSI7E
They are going to have completed the pro8ect before the deadline. #+TI7E
The pro8ect is going to have been completed before the deadline. P#SSI7E
2uture Perfect +ontinuous
USE 1 *ration +e4ore Something in the Ftre
&e use the 2uture Perfect +ontinuous to sho' that something 'ill continue up until a particular event or
time in the future. 92or five minutes,9 9for t'o 'ee)s,9 and 9since 2riday9 are all durations 'hich can be
used 'ith the 2uture Perfect +ontinuous. .otice that this is related to the Present Perfect +ontinuous and
the Past Perfect +ontinuous: ho'ever, 'ith 2uture Perfect +ontinuous, the duration stops at or before a
reference point in the future.
Examples:
They 'ill have been tal)ing for over an hour by the time Thomas arrives.
She is going to have been 'or)ing at that company for three years 'hen it finally closes.
>ames 'ill have been teaching at the university for more than a year by the time he leaves for
#sia.
(o' long 'ill you have been studying 'hen you graduate!
&e are going to have been driving for over three days straight 'hen 'e get to #nchorage.
#: &hen you finish your English course, 'ill you have been living in .e' Iealand for over a
year!
,: .o, I 'ill not have been living here that long.
.otice in the examples above that the reference points ;mar)ed in italics< are in Simple Present rather
than Simple 2uture. This is because these future events are in time clauses, and you cannot use future
tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 &ase o4 Something in the Ftre
Using the 2uture Perfect +ontinuous before another action in the future is a good 'ay to sho' cause and
effect.
Examples:
>ason 'ill be tired 'hen he gets home because he 'ill have been 8ogging for over an hour.
+laudia5s English 'ill be perfect 'hen she returns to Aermany because she is going to have been
studying English in the United States for over t'o years.
Ftre &ontinos !s. Ftre ,er4ect &ontinos
If you do not include a duration such as 9for five minutes,9 9for t'o 'ee)s9 or 9since 2riday,9 many English
spea)ers choose to use the 2uture +ontinuous rather than the 2uture Perfect +ontinuous. ,e careful
because this can change the meaning of the sentence. 2uture +ontinuous emphasi*es interrupted
actions, 'hereas 2uture Perfect +ontinuous emphasi*es a duration of time before something in the
future. Study the examples belo' to understand the difference.
Examples:
(e 'ill be tired because he 'ill be exercising so hard.
T(IS SE.TE.+E E$P(#SIIES T(#T (E &IBB ,E TI1E ,E+#USE (E &IBB ,E E@E1+ISI.A #T T(#T E@#+T $0$E.T I. T(E
2UTU1E.
(e 'ill be tired because he 'ill have been exercising so hard.
T(IS SE.TE.+E E$P(#SIIES T(#T (E &IBB ,E TI1E ,E+#USE (E &IBB (#7E ,EE. E@E1+ISI.A 201 # PE1I0 02
TI$E. IT IS P0SSI,BE T(#T (E &IBB STIBB ,E E@E1+ISI.A #T T(#T $0$E.T 01 T(#T (E &IBB >UST (#7E 2I.IS(E.
RE.E.+ER "o Ftre in /ime &lases
Bi)e all future forms, the 2uture Perfect +ontinuous cannot be used in clauses beginning 'ith time
expressions such as: 'hen, 'hile, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of 2uture
Perfect +ontinuous, Present Perfect +ontinuous is used.
Examples:
/ou 'on5t get a promotion until you 'ill have been 'or)ing here as long as Tim. "ot &orrect
/ou 'on5t get a promotion until you have been 'or)ing here as long as Tim. &orrect
A"* RE.E.+ER "on%&ontinos 'er(s / .i3ed 'er(s
It is important to remember that .on6+ontinuous 7erbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. #lso,
certain non6continuous meanings for$ixed 7erbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using
2uture Perfect +ontinuous 'ith these verbs, you must use 2uture Perfect .
Examples:
.ed 'ill have been having his driver5s license for over t'o years. "ot &orrect
.ed 'ill have had his driver5s license for over t'o years. &orrect
A*'ER+ ,-A&E.E"/
The examples belo' sho' the placement for grammar adverbs such as: al'ays, only, never, ever, still,
8ust, etc.
Examples:
/ou 'ill only have been 'aiting for a fe' minutes 'hen her plane arrives.
&ill you only have been 'aiting for a fe' minutes 'hen her plane arrives!
/ou are only going to have been 'aiting for a fe' minutes 'hen her plane arrives.
#re you only going to have been 'aiting for a fe' minutes 'hen her plane arrives!
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
The famous artist 'ill have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
#+TI7E
The mural 'ill have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is
finished. P#SSI7E
The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is
finished. #+TI7E
The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the
time it is finished. P#SSI7E
Used /o
USE 1 5a(it in the ,ast
9Used to9 expresses the idea that something 'as an old habit that stopped in the past. It indicates that
something 'as often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done no'.
Examples:
>erry used to study English.
Sam and $ary used to go to $exico in the summer.
I used to start 'or) at % o5cloc).
+hristine used to eat meat, but no' she is a vegetarian.
USE 2 ,ast Facts and Generalizations
9Used to9 can also be used to tal) about past facts or generali*ations 'hich are no longer true.
Examples:
I used to live in Paris.
Sarah used to be fat, but no' she is thin.
Aeorge used to be the best student in class, but no' Bena is the best.
0ranges used to cost very little in 2lorida, but no' they are ?uite expensive.
1Used to1 !s. Simple ,ast
,oth Simple Past and 9Used to9 can be used to describe past habits, past facts and past generali*ations:
ho'ever, 9used to9 is preferred 'hen emphasi*ing these forms of past repetition in positive sentences. 0n
the other hand, 'hen as)ing ?uestions or ma)ing negative sentences,Simple Past is preferred.
Examples:
/ou used to play the piano.
id you play the piano 'hen you 'ere young!
/ou did not play the piano 'hen you 'ere young.
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
>erry used to pay the bills. #+TI7E
The bills used to be paid by >erry. P#SSI7E
&ould #l'ays
USE 1 5a(it in the ,ast
Bi)e 9used to9 and Simple Past, 9'ould al'ays9 expresses the idea that something 'as an old habit 'hich
stopped in the past. It says that an action 'as often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done no'.
Unli)e 9used to9 and Simple Past, 9'ould al'ays9 suggests that someone 'illingly acted that 'ay and
sometimes expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It also often suggests the habit 'as
extreme. To express the opposite idea, 'e can say 9'ould never9 to indicate that someone never did
something in the past, but no' they do.
Examples:
She 'ould al'ays send me strange birthday gifts.
Sam and $ary 'ould al'ays choose the most exotic vacation destinations.
Sally 'ould not al'ays arrive early to class. She came late once or t'ice.
.ed 'ould al'ays sho' up at our house 'ithout calling first.
$indy 'ould not al'ays 'al) to school. Sometimes, she too) the bus.
+hristine 'ould al'ays come late to the meetings.
>eff 'ould never pay for drin)s 'hen 'e 'ent out together 'ith our friends.
1E2USI.A T0 0 S0$ET(I.A 01 .01$#BB/ .0T 0I.A S0$ET(I.A IS #BS0 # 201$ 02 (#,IT.
RE.E.+ER 1;old Alwa2s1 is *i44erent
9&ould al'ays9 is not exactly the same as 9used to9 or the Simple Past. 9&ould al'ays9 cannot be used
to tal) about past facts or generali*ations. It can only be used for repeated actions.
Examples:
Sarah 'as shy, but no' she is very outgoing. &orrect
Sarah used to be shy, but no' she is very outgoing. &orrect
Sarah 'ould al'ays be shy, but no' she is very outgoing. "ot &orrect
Forms Related to 1;old Alwa2s1
In addition to 9'ould al'ays,9 English spea)ers often use 9'ould constantly,9 9'ould often,9 9'ould
forever9 or simply 9'ould.9 #lthough the last form 9'ould9 is correct, it is not suggested because it can
easily be confused 'ith other verb forms such as the +onditional or 2uture in the Past. Similarly, spea)ers
can use 9'ould rarely,9 9'ould occasionally9 and 9'ould seldom9 to express the idea that an action 'as
not often repeated.
Examples:
>erry 'ould come to the parties every 'ee)end.
>erry 'ould constantly bring his girlfriend to the parties.
>erry 'ould often bring his best friend to the parties.
>erry 'ould occasionally bring his older brother to the parties.
>erry 'ould seldom bring his sister to the parties.
>erry 'ould never bring his younger brother to the parties.
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
$y mother 'ould al'ays ma)e the pies. #+TI7E
The pies 'ould al'ays be made by my mother. P#SSI7E
Ftre in the ,ast
F8R. ;as/;ere Going /o
J'asK'ere = going to = 7E1,L
Examples:
I )ne' you 'ere going to go to the party.
I )ne' you 'ere not going to go to the party.
USE 1 Ftre in ,ast
2uture in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something 'ould happen in the
future. It does not matter if you are correct or not. 2uture in the Past follo's the same basic rules as the
Simple 2uture. 9&ould9 is used to volunteer or promise, and 9'as going to9 is used to plan. $oreover,
both forms can be used to ma)e predictions about the future.
Examples:
I told you he 'as going to come to the party. PB#.
I )ne' >ulie 'ould ma)e dinner. 70BU.T#1/ #+TI0.
>ane said Sam 'as going to bring his sister 'ith him, but he came alone. PB#.
I had a feeling that the vacation 'as going to be a disaster. P1EI+TI0.
(e promised he 'ould send a postcard from Egypt. P10$ISE
RE.E.+ER "o Ftre in /ime &lases
Bi)e all future forms, 2uture in the Past cannot be used in clauses beginning 'ith time expressions such
as: 'hen, 'hile, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of using 2uture in the Past,
you must use Simple Past.
Examples:
I already told $ar) that 'hen he 'ould arrive, 'e 'ould go out for dinner. "ot &orrect
I already told $ar) that 'hen he arrived, 'e 'ould go out for dinner. &orrect
A&/0'E / ,ASS0'E
Examples:
I )ne' >ohn 'ould finish the 'or) by D:EE P$. #+TI7E
I )ne' the 'or) 'ould be finished by D:EE P$. P#SSI7E
I thought Sally 'as going to ma)e a beautiful dinner. #+TI7E
I thought a beautiful dinner 'as going to be made by Sally. P#SSI7E