We use the present perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the present perfect with specific time expressions such as yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the present perfect with unspecific expressions such as ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.
The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to associate present perfect with the following topics:
You can use the present perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the experience of...." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience. The present perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.
We often use the present perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.
We often use the present perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.
We often use the present perfect to say that an action which we expected has not happened. Using the present perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen.
We also use the present perfect to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the past at different times. Present perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are possible.
When we use the present perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.
Sometimes, we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this with expressions such as in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now, etc.
Although the above use of present perfect is normally limited to non-continuous verbs and non-continuous uses of mixed verbs, the words live, work, teach, and study are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT non-continuous verbs.
Examples:
- Many tourists have visited that castle.
- That castle has been visited by many tourists.
Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect continuous (also called present perfect progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an action started in the past and has continued up to the present moment. The present perfect continuous usually emphasizes duration, or the amount of time that an action has been taking place. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and present perfect continuous exercises.
Present Perfect Continuous Forms
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.
Present Perfect Continuous Uses
USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now
We use the present perfect continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. For five minutes, for two weeks, and since Tuesday are all durations which can be used with the present perfect continuous.
Examples:
- They have been talking for the last hour.
- She has been working at that company for three years.
- What have you been doing for the last 30 minutes?
- James has been teaching at the university since June.
- We have been waiting here for over two hours!
- Why has Nancy not been taking her medicine for the last three days?
USE 2 Recently, Lately
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.
Examples:
- Recently, I have been feeling really tired.
- She has been watching too much television lately.
- Have you been exercising lately?
- Mary has been feeling a little depressed.
- Lisa has not been practicing her English.
- What have you been doing?
IMPORTANT
Remember that the present perfect continuous has the meaning of lately or recently. If you use the present perfect continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?" can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using present perfect continuous with these verbs, you must use present perfect.
Examples:
- Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct
- Sam has had his car for two years. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You have only been waiting here for one hour.
- Have you only been waiting here for one hour?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- Recently, John has been doing the work.
- Recently, the work has been being done by John.
NOTE: Present perfect continuous is less commonly used in its passive form.
Past Simple
The past simple (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. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and past simple exercises.
Past Simple Forms
The past simple 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.
Past Simple Uses
USE 1 Completed Action in the Past
Use the past simple 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.
Examples:
- I saw a movie yesterday.
- I didn't see a play yesterday.
- Last year, I traveled to Japan.
- Last year, I didn't travel to Korea.
- Did you have dinner last night?
- She washed her car.
- He didn't wash his car.
USE 2 A Series of Completed Actions
We use the past simple to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on.
Examples:
- I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim.
- He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met the others at 10:00.
- Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs?
USE 3 Duration in the Past
The past simple 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.
Examples:
- I lived in Brazil for two years.
- Shauna studied Japanese for five years.
- They sat at the beach all day.
- They did not stay at the party the entire time.
- We talked on the phone for thirty minutes.
- A: How long did you wait for them?
B: We waited for one hour.
USE 4 Habits in the Past
The past simple can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the same meaning as used to. To make it clear that we are talking about a habit, we often add expressions such as always, often, usually, never, when I was a child, when I was younger, etc.
Examples:
- I studied French when I was a child.
- He played the violin.
- He didn't play the piano.
- Did you play a musical instrument when you were a kid?
- She worked at the movie theater after school.
- They never went to school, they always skipped class.
USE 5 Past Facts or Generalizations
The past simple can also be used to describe past facts or generalizations which are no longer true. As in USE 4 above, this use of the past simple is quite similar to the expression used to.
Examples:
- She was shy as a child, but now she is very outgoing.
- He didn't like tomatoes before.
- Did you live in Texas when you were a kid?
- People paid much more to make cell phone calls in the past.
Past Simple Tips
IMPORTANT When-Clauses Happen First
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word when such as "when I dropped my pen" or "when class began." These clauses are called when-clauses, and they are very important. The examples below contain when-clauses.
Examples:
- When I paid her one dollar, she answered my question.
- She answered my question when I paid her one dollar.
When-clauses are important because they always happen first when both clauses are in the simple past. Both of the examples above mean the same thing: first, I paid her one dollar, and then, she answered my question. It is not important whether "when I paid her one dollar" is at the beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence. However, the example below has a different meaning. First, she answered my question, and then, I paid her one dollar.
Example:
- I paid her one dollar when she answered my question.
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You just called Debbie.
- Did you just call Debbie?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- Tom repaired the car.
- The car was repaired by Tom.
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.
Past Continuous Forms
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.
Past Continuous Uses
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past
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.
Examples:
- I was watching TV when she called.
- When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
- While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
- What were you doing when the earthquake started?
- I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
- You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
- While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
- Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
- While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
- A: What were you doing when you broke your leg?
B: I was snowboarding.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the past continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the simple past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
- Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
- At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
- Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.
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.
Examples:
- Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner.
- Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
USE 3 Parallel Actions
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.
Examples:
- I was studying while he was making dinner.
- While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
- Were you listening while he was talking?
- I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes.
- What were you doing while you were waiting?
- Thomas wasn't working, and I wasn't working either.
- They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE 4 Atmosphere
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.
Example:
- When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.
USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with Always
The past continuous with words such as always or constantly expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression used to but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words always or constantly between be and verb+ing.
Examples:
- She was always coming to class late.
- He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
- I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
Past Continuous Tips
While vs. When
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word when such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses begin with while such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk about things in the past, when is most often followed by the verb tense simple past, whereas while is usually followed by past continuous. While expresses the idea of "during that time." Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence.
Examples:
- I was studying when she called.
- While I was studying, she called.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using past continuous with these verbs, you must use simple past.
Examples:
- Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct
- Jane was at my house when you arrived. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You were just studying when she called.
- Were you just studying when she called?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store.
- The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store.
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.
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.
Examples:
- I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.
- I did not have any money because I had lost my wallet.
- Tony knew Istanbul so well because he had visited the city several times.
- Had Susan ever studied Thai before she moved to Thailand?
- She only understood the movie because she had read the book.
- Kristine had never been to an opera before last night.
- We were not able to get a hotel room because we had not booked in advance.
- A: Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 2006?
B: Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With non-continuous verbs and some non-continuous uses of mixed verbs, we use the past perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.
Examples:
- We had had that car for ten years before it broke down.
- By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years.
- They felt bad about selling the house because they had owned it for more than forty years.
Although the above use of past perfect is normally limited to non-continuous verbs and non-continuous uses of mixed verbs, the words live, work, teach, and study are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT non-continuous verbs.
IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect
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.
Example:
- She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
MOREOVER
If the past perfect action did occur at a specific time, the simple past can be used instead of the past perfect when before or after is used in the sentence. The words before and after actually tell you what happens first, so the past perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct.
Examples:
- She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
- She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
HOWEVER
If the past perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, past perfect is not optional. Compare the examples below. Here past perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an action at a specific time. For this reason, simple past cannot be used.
Examples:
- She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct
- She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You had previously studied English before you moved to New York.
- Had you previously studied English before you moved to New York?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license.
- Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's license.
Past Perfect Continuous
The past perfect continuous (also called past perfect progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an action started in the past and continued up to another point in the past. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and present perfect continuous exercises.
Past Perfect Continuous Forms
The past perfect continuous is formed using had + been + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and had. Negatives are made with not
Past Perfect Continuous Uses
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past
We use the past perfect continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. For five minutes and for two weeks are both durations which can be used with the past perfect continuous. Notice that this is related to the present perfect continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.
Examples:
- They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.
- She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.
- How long had you been waiting to get on the bus?
- Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work.
- James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia.
- A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara?
B: I had not been studying Turkish very long.
USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past
Using the past perfect continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.
Examples:
- Jason was tired because he had been jogging.
- Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.
- Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.
Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous
If you do not include a duration such as for five minutes, for two weeks, or since Friday, many English speakers choose to use the past continuous rather than the past perfect continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas past perfect continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples:
- He was tired because he was exercising so hard.
- He was tired because he had been exercising so hard.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using past perfect continuous with these verbs, you must use past perfect.
Examples:
- The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought it. Not Correct
- The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.
- Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris.
- The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris.
NOTE: Passive forms of the past perfect continuous are not common.
Future Simple
The future simple verb tense has two different forms in English, will and be going to. Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings: will is used for offers and be going to is used for plans. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and simple future exercises.
Future Simple Forms
FORM Will
The will form of future simple is made with will + verb. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and will. Negatives are made with not.
FORM Be Going To
The be-going-to form of simple future is made using am/is/are + going to + verb. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
Simple Future Uses
The future simple (also called future simple or future indefinite) is a verb tense which is used to show that an action will take place at a specific time in the future. The future simple is also used to talk about future habits and future generalizations. In many ways, the verb tense behaves like the simple past.
However, the simple future has two different forms will and be going to. Study the uses below to learn how to choose between the two forms.
USE 1 Will to Express a Voluntary Action
Will often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use will to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use will when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use will not or won't when we refuse to do something voluntarily.
Examples:
- I will send you the information when I get it.
- I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
- Will you help me move this heavy table?
- Will you make dinner?
- I will not do your homework for you.
- I won't do all the housework myself!
- A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
- A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee.
- A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it.
USE 2 Will to Express a Promise
Will is usually used in promises.
Examples:
- I will call you when I arrive.
- If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
- I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
- Don't worry, I'll be careful.
- I won't tell anyone your secret.
USE 3 Be going to to Express a Plan
Be going to expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples:
- He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
- She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
- A: When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
- I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
- Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
- They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
- Who are you going to invite to the party?
- A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.
USE 4 Will or Be Going to to Express a Prediction
Both will and be going to can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In prediction sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples, there is no difference in meaning.
Examples:
- The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
- The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
- John Smith will be the next President.
- John Smith is going to be the next President.
- The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
- The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.
IMPORTANT
In the future simple, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.
No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, future simple cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of simple future, simple present is used.
Examples:
- When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
- When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You will never help him.
- Will you ever help him?
- You are never going to meet Jane.
- Are you ever going to meet Jane?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- John will finish the work by 5:00 PM.
- The work will be finished by 5:00 PM.
- Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight.
- A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight.
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.
FORM Future Continuous with "Will"
[will be + present participle]
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.
FORM Future Continuous with "Be Going To "
[am/is/are + going to be + present participle]
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 1 Interrupted Action in the Future
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 will be watching TV when she arrives tonight.
- I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.
- 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.
Notice in the examples above that the interruptions (marked in italics) are in simple present rather than simple future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption in the Future
In USE 1, described above, the future continuous 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 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
- At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
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:
- Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to eat dinner.
- Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
USE 3 Parallel Actions in the Future
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:
- I am going to be studying and he is going to be making dinner.
- Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
- While Ellen is reading, Tim will be watching television.
USE 4 Atmosphere in the Future
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.
REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future tenses, the future continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of future continuous, present continuous is used.
Examples:
- While I am going to be finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Not Correct
- While I am finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Correct
AND REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using future continuous with these verbs, you must use simple future.
Examples:
- Jane will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct
- Jane will be at my house when you arrive. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You will still be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
- Will you still be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
- You are still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
- Are you still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be washing the dishes.
- At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes will be being washed by John.
- At 8:00 PM tonight, John is going to be washing the dishes.
- At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes are going to be being washed by John.
NOTE: Passive forms of the future continuous are not common.
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"
[will have + past participle]
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.
FORM Future Perfect with "Be Going To"
[am/is/are + going to have + past participle]
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.
Complete List of Future Perfect Forms
USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Future
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 next November, I will have received my promotion.
- By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
- I am not going to have finished this test by 3 o'clock.
- Will she have learned enough Chinese to communicate before she moves to Beijing?
- Sam is probably going to have completed the proposal by the time he leaves this afternoon.
- By the time I finish this course, I will have taken ten tests.
- How many countries are you going to have visited by the time you turn 50?
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in simple present rather than simple future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Future (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With non-continuous verbs and some non-continuous uses of mixed verbs, we use the future perfect to show that something will continue up until another action in the future.
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.
Although the above use of future perfect is normally limited to non-continuous verbs and non-continuous uses of mixed verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT non-continuous verbs.
REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the future perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of future perfect, present perfect is used.
Examples:
- I am going to see a movie when I will have finished my homework. Not Correct
- I am going to see a movie when I have finished my homework. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You will only have learned a few words.
- Will you only have learned a few words?
- You are only going to have learned a few words.
- Are you only going to have learned a few words?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- They will have completed the project before the deadline.
- The project will have been completed before the deadline.
- They are going to have completed the project before the deadline.
- The project is going to have been completed before the deadline.
Future Perfect Continuous
Future perfect continuous has two different forms: "will have been doing " and "be going to have been doing." Unlike simple future forms, future perfect continuous forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Perfect Continuous with "Will"
[will have been + present participle]
Examples:
- You will have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
- Will you have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives?
- You will not have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
FORM Future Perfect Continuous with "Be Going To"
[am/is/are + going to have been + present participle]
Examples:
- You are going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
- Are you going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives?
- You are not going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the future perfect continuous with little or no difference in meaning.
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Future
We use the future perfect continuous to show that something will continue up until a particular event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Friday" are all durations which can be used with the future perfect continuous. Notice that this is related to the present perfect continuous and the past perfect continuous; however, with future perfect continuous, the duration stops at or before a reference point in the future.
Examples:
- They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Thomas arrives.
- She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally closes.
- James will have been teaching at the university for more than a year by the time he leaves for Asia.
- How long will you have been studying when you graduate?
- We are going to have been driving for over three days straight when we get to Anchorage.
- A: When you finish your English course, will you have been living in New Zealand for over a year?
B: No, I will not have been living here that long.
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in simple present rather than simple future. This is because these future events are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Cause of Something in the Future
Using the future perfect continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show cause and effect.
Examples:
- Jason will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging for over an hour.
- Claudia's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is going to have been studying English in the United States for over two years.
Future Continuous vs. Future Perfect Continuous
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday," many English speakers choose to use the future continuous rather than the future perfect continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Future continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas future perfect continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the future. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples:
- He will be tired because he will be exercising so hard.
- He will be tired because he will have been exercising so hard.
REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the future perfect continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of future perfect continuous, present perfect continuous is used.
Examples:
- You won't get a promotion until you will have been working here as long as Tim. Not Correct
- You won't get a promotion until you have been working here as long as Tim. Correct
AND REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Future perfect continuous with these verbs, you must use future perfect .
Examples:
- Ned will have been having his driver's license for over two years. Not Correct
- Ned will have had his driver's license for over two years. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You will only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives.
- Will you only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives?
- You are only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives.
- Are you only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
- The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
- The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
- The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
NOTE: Passive forms of the future perfect continuous are not common.
Used To
FORM
[used to + VERB]
Example:
- I used to go to the beach every day.
It is better not to use used to in questions or negative forms; however, this is sometimes done in informal spoken English. It is better to ask questions and create negative sentences using past simple.
USE 1 Habit in the Past
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:
- Jerry used to study English.
- Sam and Mary used to go to Mexico in the summer.
- I used to start work at 9 o'clock.
- Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.
USE 2 Past Facts and Generalizations
Used to can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.
Examples:
- I used to live in Paris.
- Sarah used to be fat, but now she is thin.
- George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
- Oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.
Used to vs. Simple Past
Both past simple and used to can be used to describe past habits, past facts and past generalizations; however, used to is preferred when emphasizing these forms of past repetition in positive sentences. On the other hand, when asking questions or making negative sentences, past simple is preferred.
Examples:
- You used to play the piano.
- Did you play the piano when you were young?
- You did not play the piano when you were young.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- Jerry used to pay the bills.
- The bills used to be paid by Jerry.
Would Always
FORM
[would always + VERB]
Examples:
- You would always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach.
- Would you always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach?
- You would not always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach.
USE 1 Habit in the Past
Like used to and past simple, would always expresses the idea that something was an old habit which stopped in the past. It says that an action was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now. Unlike used to and simple past, would always suggests that someone willingly acted that way and sometimes expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It also often suggests the habit was extreme. To express the opposite idea, we can say would never to indicate that someone never did something in the past, but now they do.
Examples:
- She would always send me strange birthday gifts.
- Sam and Mary would always choose the most exotic vacation destinations.
- Sally would not always arrive early to class. She came late once or twice.
- Ned would always show up at our house without calling first.
- Mindy would not always walk to school. Sometimes, she took the bus.
- Christine would always come late to the meetings.
- Jeff would never pay for drinks when we went out together with our friends.
REMEMBER would always is Different
Would always is not exactly the same as used to or the past simple. Would always cannot be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.
Examples:
- Sarah was shy, but now she is very outgoing. Correct
- Sarah used to be shy, but now she is very outgoing. Correct
- Sarah would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. Not Correct
Forms Related to Would Always
In addition to would always, English speakers often use would constantly, would often, would forever or simply would. Although the last form would is correct, it is not suggested because it can easily be confused with other verb forms such as the conditional or future in the past. Similarly, speakers can use would rarely, would occasionally and would seldom to express the idea that an action was not often repeated.
Examples:
- Jerry would come to the parties every weekend.
- Jerry would constantly bring his girlfriend to the parties.
- Jerry would often bring his best friend to the parties.
- Jerry would occasionally bring his older brother to the parties.
- Jerry would seldom bring his sister to the parties.
- Jerry would never bring his younger brother to the parties.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- My mother would always make the pies.
- The pies would always be made by my mother.
Future in the Past
Like future simple, 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:
- I knew you would help him.
- I knew you would not help him.
FORM Was/Were Going To
[was/were + going to + VERB]
Examples:
- I knew you were going to go to the party.
- I knew you were not going to go to the party.
USE 1 Future in Past
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 future simple. "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:
- I told you he was going to come to the party.
- I knew Julie would make dinner.
- Jane said Sam was going to bring his sister with him, but he came alone.
- I had a feeling that the vacation was going to be a disaster.
- He promised he would send a postcard from Egypt.
REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, future in the past cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of using future in the past, you must use past simple.
Examples:
- I already told Mark that when he would arrive, we would go out for dinner. Not Correct
- I already told Mark that when he arrived, we would go out for dinner. Correct
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- I knew John would finish the work by 5:00 PM.
- I knew the work would be finished by 5:00 PM.
- I thought Sally was going to make a beautiful dinner.
- I thought a beautiful dinner was going to be made by Sally.
Active and Passive Verb Forms
Sentences can be active or passive. Therefore, tenses also have "active forms" and "passive forms." You must learn to recognize the difference to successfully speak English.
Active Form
In active sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing receiving the action is the object. Most sentences are active.
[Thing doing action] + [verb] + [thing receiving action]
Examples:
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:
Active and Passive Overview
| Tense |
Active |
Passive |
| Simple Present |
Once a week, Tom cleans the house.
|
Once a week, the house is cleaned by Tom.
|
| Present Continuous |
Right now, Sarah is writing the letter.
|
Right now, the letter is being written by Sarah.
|
| Simple Past |
Sam repaired the car.
|
The car was repaired by Sam.
|
| Past Continuous |
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store.
|
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store.
|
| Present Perfect |
Many tourists have visited that castle.
|
That castle has been visited by many tourists.
|
| Present Perfect Continuous |
Recently, John has been doing the work.
|
Recently, the work has been being done by John.
|
| Past Perfect |
George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license.
|
Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's license.
|
| Past Perfect Continuous |
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris.
|
The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris.
|
Simple Future
|
Someone will finish the work by 5:00 PM.
|
The work will be finished by 5:00 PM.
|
Simple Future
|
Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight.
|
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight.
|
Future Continuous
|
At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be washing the dishes.
|
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes will be being washed by John.
|
Future Continuous
|
At 8:00 PM tonight, John is going to be washing the dishes.
|
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes are going to be being washed by John.
|
Future Perfect
|
They will have completed the project before the deadline.
|
The project will have been completed before the deadline.
|
Future Perfect
|
They are going to have completed the project before the deadline.
|
The project is going to have been completed before the deadline.
|
Future Perfect Continuous
|
The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
|
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
|
Future Perfect Continuous
|
The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
|
The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
|
| Used to |
Jerry used to pay the bills.
|
The bills used to be paid by Jerry.
|
| Would Always |
My mother would always make the pies.
|
The pies would always be made by my mother.
|
Future in the Past
|
I knew John would finish the work by 5:00 PM.
|
I knew the work would be finished by 5:00 PM.
|
Future in the Past
|
I thought Sally was going to make a beautiful dinner tonight.
|
I thought a beautiful dinner was going to be made by Sally tonight.
|
Types of Verbs
Before you begin the verb tense lessons, it is extremely important to understand that NOT all English verbs are the same. English verbs are divided into three groups: normal verbs, non-continuous verbs, and mixed verbs.
Group I Normal Verbs
Most verbs are "normal verbs." These verbs are usually physical actions which you can see somebody doing. These verbs can be used in all tenses.
Normal Verbs
to run, to walk, to eat, to fly, to go, to say, to touch, etc.
Examples:
- I eat dinner every day.
- I am eating dinner now.
Group II Non-Continuous Verbs
The second group, called "non-continuous verbs," is smaller. These verbs are usually things you cannot see somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used in continuous tenses. They include:
Abstract Verbs
to be, to want, to cost, to seem, to need, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist...
Possession Verbs
to possess, to own, to belong...
Emotion Verbs
to like, to love, to hate, to dislike, to fear, to envy, to mind...
Examples:
- He is needing help now. Not Correct
- He needs help now. Correct
- He is wanting a drink now. Not Correct
- He wants a drink now. Correct
Group III Mixed Verbs
The third group, called "mixed verbs," is the smallest group. These verbs have more than one meaning. In a way, each meaning is a unique verb. Some meanings behave like "non-continuous verbs," while other meanings behave like "normal verbs."
Mixed Verbs
to appear, to feel, to have, to hear, to look, to see, to weigh...
List of Mixed Verbs with Examples and Definitions:
to appear:
Donna appears confused. Non-Continuous Verb
My favorite singer is appearing at the jazz club tonight. Normal Verb
to have:
I have a dollar now. Non-Continuous Verb
I am having fun now. Normal Verb
to hear:
She hears the music. Non-Continuous Verb
She is hearing voices. Normal Verb
to look:
Nancy looks tired. Non-Continuous Verb
Farah is looking at the pictures. Normal Verb
to miss:
John misses Sally. Non-Continuous Verb
Debbie is missing her favorite TV program. Normal Verb
to see:
I see her. Non-Continuous Verb
I am seeing the doctor. Normal Verb
I am seeing her. Normal Verb
He is seeing ghosts at night. Normal Verb
to smell:
The coffee smells good. Non-Continuous Verb
I am smelling the flowers. Normal Verb
to taste:
The coffee tastes good. Non-Continuous Verb
I am tasting the cake. Normal Verb
to think:
He thinks the test is easy. Non-Continuous Verb
She is thinking about the question. Normal Verb
to weigh:
The table weighs a lot. Non-Continuous Verb
She is weighing herself. Normal Verb
Some Verbs Can Be Especially Confusing:
to be:
Joe is American. Non-Continuous Verb
Joe is being very American. Normal Verb
Joe is being very rude. Normal Verb
Joe is being very formal. Normal Verb
NOTICE: Only rarely is "to be" used in a continuous form. This is most commonly done when a person is temporarily behaving badly or stereotypically. It can also be used when someone's behavior is noticeably different.
to feel:
The massage feels great. Non-Continuous Verb
.I don't feel well today. Sometimes used as Non-Continuous Verb
I am not feeling well today. Sometimes used as Normal Verb
NOTICE: The second meaning of "feel" is very flexible and there is no real difference in meaning between "I don't feel well today" and "I am not feeling well today."
Conditional Chart
| Present Real Conditional |
Present Unreal Conditional |
If I have time, I study English.
|
If I had time, I would study English.
|
| Past Real Conditional |
Past Unreal Conditional |
If I had time, I studied English.
|
If I had had time, I would have studied English.
|
| Future Real Conditional |
Future Unreal Conditional |
If I have time, I will study English.
If I have time, I am going to study English.
Other forms possible.
|
If I had time, I would study English.
Other forms possible.
|
Present Conditionals
Present Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When ... simple present ..., ... simple present ...]
[... simple present ... if / when ... simple present ...]
USE
The present real conditional (also called conditional 0) is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
- If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
- When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
- If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
- Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
- I read if there is nothing on TV.
- A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
- A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
IMPORTANT If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the present real conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
- When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
- If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... simple past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... simple past ...]
USE
The present unreal conditional (also called conditional 2) is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
- If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
- She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
- I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
- Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
- If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
- A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
- A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.
EXCEPTION If I were ...
In the present unreal conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:
- If he were French, he would live in Paris.
- If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
- I would play basketball if I were taller.
- I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
- I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct
IMPORTANT Only use "If"
Only the word "if" is used with the present unreal conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.
Examples:
- I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
- I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
- If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
- If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
- If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
- If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."
Examples:
- If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
- If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
- If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
- If he invited you, you really should go. Correct
