Unit 2  Grammar Focus: Tenses

When we speak about events which have a relationship to present time we usually use the Present Simple, the Present Continuous and the Present Perfect tenses.

The Present Simple is used to express:

1. a habit: I get up at 7.30.

2. a fact which is always true: We come from Belarus.

3. a fact that is true for a long time: He lives in Minsk.

4. a ‘timetable’ future (with a future time marker): The lecture starts at 8.30. My bus leaves at three.

5. after ‘when, as soon as, etc.’ to form a time clause: As soon as I come home, I’ll give you a call. When you see him, tell him that tomorrow’s meeting is cancelled.

The Present Continuous is used to express:

a) an activity happening now: They are discussing English grammar.

b) an activity happening around now, but perhaps not at the moment of speaking: I’m reading an interesting book now.

c) a temporary action or habit: I’m from Mogilev, but I’m living in Minsk now. I’m getting up early this week because my car is being repaired.

d) a regrettable habit or irritation with “always”: I am always loosing my keys. You are always talking at the lesson!

e) a planned future action (with a future time marker): What are you doing tomorrow?

The Present Perfect is used to express:

1. an action which took place in a period of time, which is not yet over: I’ve been to the library twice this week. I’ve seen our teacher this morning (it is still morning).

2. an action which took place in the past but which still relates to the present: I’ve translated the text (I can help you).

3. an action which started in the past and still continues: I have lived in Minsk for twenty years. I have known him since school. I have learned (have been learning) English for 7 years.

Note: the time markers that are used with the Present Perfect:

He has just/already left. They haven’t finished yet. I have never been to London. Have you ever been to the USA?

When we speak about events which have a relationship to past time we usually use the Past Simple, the Past Continuous.

The Past Simple is used to express:

1. a past action that is now finished (usually with time marker): I finished school last year. I saw her yesterday.

Note: the time markers that are used with the Past Simple:

I did it last month/ two years ago/ yesterday morning/ in 2005, etc.

The Past Continuous is used to express:

a) an event which took place at a specified point in the past: I was watching TV at 10 o’clock. I was watching TV when my mum came.

b) an event which took place in a specified period in the past: I was doing my project from eight o’clock till midnight. I was doing my project while my brother was browsing Internet.

When we speak about events which are planned for the future time we usually use:

1. the Present Continuous for a planned future action (with future time marker): They are having two lectures tomorrow and we are leaving at 2 .

2. expression ‘be going to + Infinitive’ for intended actions we have already decided to do in the future: He is going to work hard and to pass exams with excellent grades.

3. the Future Simple in predictions about the future usually with the words: I think, I believe, I’m sure, I hope, probably, perhaps, etc. – I think I will improve my grammar skills. He hopes he will be able to cope with difficulties.