VERB TENSES
CONSTRUCTION
Base form: eat Infinitive: to eat – not to eat
Imperative: Eat! Let’s eat! Don’t eat! Let’s not eat!
Subjunctive: that I (not) eat – that he (not) eat
(1) to be:
Present: I am – You are – He is – We are – They are
Past: I was – You were – He was – We were – They were
(2) to have:
Present: I have – You have – He has – We have – They have
Past: I had – You had – He had – We had – They had
(3) Simple past form
See the list of irregular verbs, in the 2nd column. If you can’t find the verb you’re looking up, it must be because it’s a regular verb. In this case, use the –ed ending. (5)
(4) Past participle
See the list of irregular verbs, in the 3rd column. If you can’t find the verb you’re looking up, it must be because it’s a regular verb. In this case, use the –ed ending. (5)
(5) The simple past and past participles of regular verbs are formed by adding ed to base (e.g. want-wanted-wanted).
However,
. verbs ending in –e simply add –d (e.g. love-loved)
. verbs ending in consonant+y change the y to i (e.g. try-tried)
. verbs ending in single vowel+consonant (except –y, -x, -w) double the consonant (e.g. rub-rubbed)
. verbs ending in –er double the consonant if the –er is stressed (e.g. prefer-preferred but suffer-
. verbs where the last syllable is stressed double the last consonant (e.g. admit-admitted but visit-visited)
. note: panic-panicked
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SEQUENCE
* NOT commonly used.
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USES
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
We use the present continuous to talk about something which is in progress at the moment of speaking.
Where are the interns? They’re having a meeting with the suppliers.
What are you doing at the moment? I’m writing a report.
You can use the printer. I’m not using it.
Look, there’s a fire truck on the runway. What is it doing there?
We’re leaving now. Goodbye.
We also use the present continuous to talk about something which is in progress around the present, but not necessarily exactly at the moment of speaking.
You’re spending a lot of money these days.
She’s looking for a new job at the moment.
We use the present continuous to talk about something which is in progress for a limited period around the present, to talk about temporary situations.
The manager is on a business trip this week. He’s attending a seminar in Paris.
We use the present continuous to talk about situations which are changing or developing around the present.
Your English is improving.
The number of fires on the engines is decreasing.
We can also use the present continuous to talk about something that we have already arranged or planned to do in the future.
I’m taking the ANAC test next Wednesday.
We’re moving to a larger and more modern factory next year.
When we use the present continuous in this way, we often give the future time (e.g. Saturday evening, on Monday, this afternoon, next weekend).
We can use always with the present continuous to mean ‘too often’.
They’re always changing my schedule.
This client is always crying to get a discount.
When we use the present continuous with always, we often express anger or irritation (that something happens too often).
Some verbs eg like, want are not normally used in the continuous forms. For example, we cannot say I’m liking this project. More details here.
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SIMPLE PRESENT
We use the simple present to talk about repeated actions or habits.
I arrive at work at 6.30 every day.
Most evenings I stay at home and watch movies in English.
Do you fly to Brasilia very often?
What time does the change in shifts happen?
We use the simple present to talk about situations which are permanent (continuing for a long time).
Mr. Harrison works for the maintenance department.
We fly to most European countries.
We use the simple present to talk about general truths.
Water boils at 100º Celsius.
The sun doesn’t turn around the earth.
We can also use the simple present to talk about future events which are part of a fixed timetable or fixed program.
Next shutdown starts on December 24 and ends on January 2.
The new pilot fatigue rules apply from July 1st.
We use the simple present in this way when we think of something in the future as a fact, or as an arrangement or plan which cannot change.
We also use the simple present to refer to the future in clauses of time and condition after when, while, as soon as, after, before, until, if, unless, as long as and provided (that).
I will call you when I finish the job.
We won’t leave until we go over the checklist.
We’ll take off as soon as we get clearance.
Our team will finish on time provided (that) the parts arrive on time.
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SIMPLE PAST
We use the simple past to talk about actions and situations in the past.
I flew from Rome yesterday.
I worked for a national company from 2000 to 2009. Then, I moved to an international one.
Did you check the propeller this morning?
We didn’t perform the test last month. We did it during the shutdown.
They met bad weather on their last flight.
Santos Dumont invented the airplane and R.J. Mitchell designed the Spitfire.
For a reminder of the forms, see the list here.
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We use the past continuous to talk about something which was in progress at a past time. The action or situation had started but it had not finished at that time.
What were you doing at 10 o’clock this morning? I was cleaning the gears.
I saw you at noon. You were having lunch at the cafeteria.
She was checking the documentation when I called her.
Compare the uses of past continuous and simple past:
She was checking the documentation. (= She was in the middle of checking it.)
She checked the documentation. (=She started and finished the checking.)
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PAST CONTINUOUS and SIMPLE PAST
We often use the past continuous and simple past together in a sentence.
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Past continuous
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Simple past
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I was performing the approach
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when I suddenly noticed a loss of pressure.
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When the quality engineer was making his presentation
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the projector caught fire.
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We were going to the airport
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when it started to rain.
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The past continuous describes
a longer action or situation
which was in progress at a past time;
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the simple past describes
a shorter action which
happened in the middle of a longer action,
or interrupted it
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But to say that one thing happened after another, we can use the simple past.
When I noticed the loss of pressure, I informed the ATC.
I grabbed the extinguisher when the projector caught fire.
The f/a's called the cockpit on the interphone (no they did not kick the door, no, no one was sleeping, no, no one was fighting) and asked when they would get there.
When we tell a story, we often use the past continuous to describe a background scene and the simple past for events and actions.
It was raining hard and the runway was wet. Two aircrafts were waiting in front of us for take-off. I was chatting with the first-officer. Suddenly, I heard the cabin crew chief. ‘We have a passenger having a heart attack.’ she announced.
I was showing the factory to our new customers. We were discussing our security process and I was feeling excited about my new responsibilities. Suddenly, an engineer came round the corner and walked right up to me. ‘We have a situation in the paint shop.’ he said.
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PRESENT PERFECT
Sentences in the present perfect always connect the past and the present.
We use the present perfect to talk about something which started in the past and continues up to the present.
I started working on this project 3 months ago and it’s not finished. I’ve worked on it for three months.
How long have you been a pilot?
My boss has worked for the company for 20 years, since he was a trainee.
We also use the present perfect for things which have happened during a period of time that continues up to the present.
I’ve been to Africa and India. (= in my life, up to now)
Have you ever seen a space elevator? (= in your life, up to now)
We often use the present perfect in this way with ‘indefinite’ time words e.g. ever (= at any time up to now), never (=at no time up to now), yet and before.
Who is the best partner you’ve ever had?
I’ve never seen a UFO.
We’ve met before, haven’t we?
We do NOT use the present perfect with ‘definite’ past time words (yesterday, last night, in 1995, etc.). For example, we cannot say She’s been there yesterday.
We use the present perfect with today, this morning, this afternoon, etc. when these periods of time are not finished at the time of speaking.
I’ve sent six e-mails this morning. (It is still morning.)
We also use the present perfect when the result of a past action is connected to the present.
Someone has broken the window. (= The window is now broken.)
The taxi has arrived. (The taxi is here now.)
They’ve prepared the room for the briefing. (The room is ready now.)
We often use the present perfect in this way to announce ‘news’.
I’ve found a new job.
Rolls-Royce has launched a new engine.
For a reminder of the forms, see the list here.
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GONE and BEEN
Compare:
Mr. Jones isn’t here right now. He has gone to Paris. (= He is in Paris or on his way to Paris.)
Mr. Jones is back now. He has been to Paris. (He was there, but he has returned.)
JUST, YET and ALREADY
We often use the present perfect with the adverbs just, yet and already.
We use just for very recent events; just goes after the auxiliary verb have.
The flight has just landed.
We’ve just tested your material.
We use yet when we are expecting something to happen; yet normally goes at the end of a clause.
It’s nearly 10 o’clock. Have the samples arrived yet?
They haven’t dumped enough fuel for an emergency landing yet.
We use already when something has happened sooner than expected; already normally goes after the auxiliary have.
I’ve already sent you the specifications. You should have them in you inbox.
She has already gone through the checklist.
Already can also go at the end of a clause for emphasis.
I’ve sent you the specifications already.
She has gone through the checklist already.
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
Sentences with the present perfect continuous always connect the present and the past.
We use the present perfect continuous to talk about something which started in the past and has been in progress up to the present
I’ve been working all day.
How long have you been sitting at this desk?
They’ve been searching for hours.
We also use the present perfect continuous when an action has been in progress up to the recent past, especially when the action has results in the present.
It’s been snowing. (It isn’t snowing at the moment but there is snow on the runway.)
Have you been working on the engine? (You aren’t working on the engine now but your hands are greasy.)
We can use the present perfect continuous to talk about repeated actions or situations in a period up to the present (or the recent past).
I’ve been having tennis lessons for six months.
How long have you been living in Rio?
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FOR and SINCE
We often use for and since with the present perfect to talk about things that have continued over a period of time up to the present (or the recent past).
We use for when we mention the length of the period (e.g. four days).
We use since when we mention the starting point of the period (e.g. Monday).
I’ve been here for two hours, since 9 o’clock.
He’s been working for the company for 2 years, since 2008.
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PRESENT PERFECT and SIMPLE PAST
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PRESENT PERFECT
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SIMPLE PAST
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The present perfect always connects the past and the present.
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The simple past tells us only about the past.
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I’ve lived in Salvador for ten years. (= I still live in Salvador now.)
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I lived in Salvador for ten years. (= I don’t live in Salvador now.)
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He has worked as a manager for six months. (= He still works as a manager now.)
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He worked as a supervisor for six months. (= He doesn’t work as a supervisor now.)
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How long have you been here? (=You are still here now.)
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How long were you there? (= You are note there now.)
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We also use the present perfect when the result of a past action is connected to the present.
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We use the simple past when the result of a past action is
not connected to the present.
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I’ve lost my wallet. (= I have not got my wallet now.)
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I lost my wallet, but I’ve got it back again now.
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We often use the present perfect to announce ‘news’.
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We use the simple past to give details of the ‘news’.
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Someone has stolen my car.
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I left my car outside for a few minutes and when I came back, it wasn’t there.
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We use the present perfect to talk about an indefinite time up to the present e.g. ever, never, recently.
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When we say a definite past time e.g. yesterday, last week, six weeks ago, we always use the simple past.
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Have you ever seen a UFO?
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Did you see the A380 yesterday?
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I’ve never been to New York.
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I went to London last week.
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I’ve started taking tennis lessons recently.
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I started taking golf lessons two weeks ago.
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In conversations, we often begin indefinitely with the present perfect,
then we use the simple past when we think about the definite time that something happened.
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Have you ever been to San Francisco?
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Yes, I went there last year.
Did you see the Golden Gate (= when you were there last year)?
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I’ve seen this film.
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I enjoyed it (=when I saw it) very much.
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We can use today, this morning, this afternoon, etc
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with the present perfect when these periods of time are not finished.
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with the simple past when these periods of time are finished.
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I’ve sent five e-mails this morning. (It is still morning.)
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I sent five e-mails this morning. (It is now afternoon, evening or night time.)
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We normally use the simple past to ask when something happened.
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When did Santos Dumont perform his first flight?
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PAST PERFECT
We use the past perfect (e.g. she had gone out) to talk about something which had happened before the past time we are thinking about (e.g. when I telephoned).
We arrived at the movie theater at 8 but the film had started at 7.30.
When I met the supplier I realized I had met her a few months before.
The past perfect is the past form of the present perfect. Compare:
I haven’t eaten all day today, so I’m very hungry now.
I hadn’t eaten all day yesterday, so I was very hungry when I got home.
The past perfect is used to show anteriority.
We landed a few minutes after the Gol Boeing had taken off. (The Gol Boeing took off, and then we landed.)
We landed and the Gol Boeing took off. (We landed, and then the Gol Boeing took off.)
When I arrived, the meeting had started. (I was late for the meeting.)
When I arrived, the meeting started. (They waited for me to start the meeting.)
For a reminder of the forms, see the list here.
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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
We use the past perfect continuous (e.g. We had been waiting for an hour) to talk about something which had been in progress up to the past time we are talking about (e.g. when we finally got the authorization to go on).
We had been flying for an hour when the fire started it the galley.
Our team had been working on this product for three years when the company decided to launch it.
The past perfect continuous is the past form of the present perfect continuous. Compare:
I’ve been working hard all day, so I’m very tired now.
I’d been working hard all day, so I was very tired last night.
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FUTURE with WILL
We can use will to predict the future.
Tomorrow will be another rainy day in all parts of the country.
In the future, nanorobots will allow tele-operation and advanced capabilities for instrumentation.
We won’t overfly Denver before midnight tonight.
When we predict the future, we often use will with the following verbs and expressions: think, expect, believe, be sure, be afraid.
I expect the new parts will be here around 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.
I’m sure you’ll love using the HUD.
We also use will in this way with adverbs of probability, e.g. probably, perhaps, maybe, certainly.
The head office will probably send us a quality controller.
I’m in stand-by, so maybe I’ll fly, maybe I won’t.
We also use will when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.
‘Would you like something to drink?’ ‘Oh, thank you. I’ll have some orange juice.’
‘There’s a problem with the printer.’ ‘Ok, I’ll see what it is.”
‘I’m going to the restroom.’ ‘Ok, I’ll take over and I’ll brief you when you return.’
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FUTURE with BE GOING TO
We use be going to to connect the future and the present.
We use be going to to talk about something in the future which we can see as a result of something in the present.
Look at those clouds ahead. We’re going to meet really bad weather.
We’re behind schedule. We’re going to miss delivery deadline.
Watch out! That ladder is going to fall !
For this reason, sentences with be going to are often about the near future.
We also use be going to to talk about what we intend to do in the future. We use be going to when we have already decided to do something.
This afternoon, I’m going to show the intern how to check the sensors readings.
On the next leg, you’re going to be the flying pilot.
We can also use was/were going to to say that something was planned for the future at a past time.
They were going to hire ten more engineers but the crisis came.
I was going to land in Denver, but it was closed due to icing conditions.
Note that when we use this structure, it often means that the planned future action did not happen.
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WILL and BE GOING TO
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We use both will and be going to in predictions about the future, but there is a difference.
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We use will to talk about
what we think or believe will happen in the future.
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We use be going to to talk about
something in the future
which we can see as a result of something in the present.
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This aircraft seems to be in trouble.
It will probably perform an emergency landing.
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This aircraft landing gear didn’t come down.
It is going to perform a belly landing.
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Don’t go near this machine without your goggles.
Chemicals will strike your eyes and you’ll get blind.
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This operator is not wearing his goggles.
His eyes are going to be damaged.
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We use both will and be going to to talk about what we intend to do, but there is a difference.
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We use will when
we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.
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We use be going to when
we have already decided to do something.
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This baggage transportation system is obsolete.
We’ll construct a new one.
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The authorities decided in a meeting yesterday that
they are going to construct a new baggage transportation system.
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There’s a puncture in this bladder. We’ll change it at once.
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We are going to change all the bladders little by little next year.
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PRESENT TENSES TO EXPRESS FUTURE
As we’ve seen before we can use present continuous and simple present to express future.
We can use the present continuous to talk about something that we have already arranged or planned to do in the future.
I’m taking the ANAC test next Wednesday.
We’re moving to a larger and more modern factory next year.
When we use the present continuous in this way, we often give the future time (e.g. Saturday evening, on Monday, this afternoon, next weekend).
We can use the simple present to talk about future events which are part of a fixed timetable or fixed program.
Next shutdown starts on December 24 and ends on January 2.
The new pilot fatigue rules apply from July 1st.
We use the simple present in this way when we think of something in the future as a fact, or as an arrangement or plan which cannot change.
We also use the simple present to refer to the future in clauses of time and condition after when, while, as soon as, after, before, until, if, unless, as long as and provided (that).
I will call you when I finish the job.
We won’t leave until we go over the checklist.
We’ll take off as soon as we get clearance.
Our team will finish on time provided (that) the parts arrive on time.
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FUTURE CONTINUOUS
We use the future continuous (I will be waiting) to talk about something which will be in progress at a time in the future.
Don’t call me at 8.00. I’ll be attending a meeting then.
This time tomorrow I’ll be flying to Greece.
We also use the future continuous to talk about things in the future which are already planned, or which are part of a regular routine.
I’ll be having a meeting with my team later on. Do you want me to tell them anything special?
As always, I’ll be sending the orders tomorrow.
We often use the future continuous as a polite way of asking about someone’s plans, especially when we want someone to do something for us.
‘Will you be going by the human resource department?’ ‘Yes, why?’ ‘Oh, could you hand them this document for me?’
Will you be flying to Paris next week? I wondered if you could bring me back some perfume.
When we use the future continuous in this way, it often suggests that we do not want to change the other person’s plans.
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FUTURE PERFECT
We use the future perfect (I will have gotten a promotion.) to talk about something that will be completed by (not later than) a certain time in the future.
I will have retired by 2040.
Don’t call me after 10 o’clock. I will have already left by then.
When we use the future perfect, we think of a future time and look back from that future time to say that something will be complete.
For a reminder of the forms, see the list here.
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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
We use the future perfect continuous (I will have been working) to talk about something that will still be in progress at a certain time in the future.
I started working here two years ago. So, at this time next year, I’ll have been working here for three years.
The Boeing 777 performed its first flight in 1994. So, in 2019, it will have been flying for 25 years.
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VERBS NOT USED IN THE CONTINUOUS
Some verbs 9e.g. like, understand) are normally used only in the simple forms, not the continuous forms. We can say I like or She didn’t understand, but we cannot say I’m liking or She wasn’t understanding.
Here are some of the most important verbs which are not normally used in the continuous forms.
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Verbs of thinking
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think (=believe), believe, understand, know, see (=understand), recognize, suppose, remember, imagine, forget, mean, realize
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Verbs of feeling
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like, dislike, hate, love, prefer, want, wish
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Verbs of perception
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see, hear, smell, taste, feel
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Other verbs
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have (=possess), own, belong to, owe, need, include, cost, contain, weigh, sound, be, seem, deserve
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Note that some of the above verbs have more than one meaning. We can use these verbs in the continuous tenses when they describe actions.
I think you’re right. (think = believe)
Ssh! I’m thinking. (think = use the mind)
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IMPERATIVE
We use the imperative in many different ways, for example, to give orders, to make offers, suggestions and requests, and to give warnings.
Stop!
Get some more information!
Help me with these charts, please!
Look out! Be careful.
Don’t forget to send your report by tomorrow morning.
We can make an imperative more emphatic by putting do in front of it. We do this, for example, when we want to be polite, or when we want to express impatience.
Do sit down.
Do stop making that noise!
We use Let’s (let us) as a kind of first person plural imperative, to make suggestions.
We’re late. Let’s hurry.
Let’s not wait for things to get worse.
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SUBJUNCTIVE
We use the subjunctive (that he (not) be) to emphasize that something is important or urgent.
I suggest that he study.
Is it essential that we be there for the meeting?
They recommended that you join the committee.
I suggest that you not land here. The runway could be too short.
It is desirable that you not attend personal phone calls during work hours.
Note that it is only noticeable in certain forms and tenses.
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Simple present
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Subjunctive
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You try to do your best.
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It’s important that you try to do your best.
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He tries to do his best.
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It’s important that he try to do his best.
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The subjunctive is used after the following verbs and adjectives.
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Verbs
followed by the subjunctive
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advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge
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Adjectives
followed by the subjunctive
(it is…. that…)
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best, crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, recommended, urgent, vital
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