The Basics
The _____ of a verb shows when something happens.
(Hint: There are three main verb _____s in English.)
tense
Change the verbs in the following sentence to past tense:
We study animal classification in science class because we have a test on taxonomy.
We STUDIED animal classification in science class because we HAD a test on taxonomy.
Change the verbs in the following sentence to present tense:
I will wake up; then I will make some coffee and eat some breakfast.
I wake up; then I make some coffee and eat some breakfast.
Change the verb in the following sentence to future tense:
Since my phone broke yesterday, I took it to the Apply Store tomorrow.
Since my phone broke yesterday (this is in the past, "yesterday," so "broke" shouldn't change), I WILL TAKE it to the Apple Store tomorrow.
Correct the mistakes.
I always stuck to the same morning routine: first, I drank about twenty ounces of cold water; then, I did my meditation; and finally, I took a shower. I always did this every day, even now.
I always STICK to the same morning routine: first, I DRINK about twenty ounces of cold water; then, I DO my meditation; and finally, I TAKE a shower. I always DO this every day, even now.
Verbs in the _____ tense show action that has already happened.
past
Change the verbs in the following sentence to past tense:
Since I need a later flight for my trip to Spain, the agent changes my ticket time for me.
Since I NEEDED a later flight for my trip to Spain, the agent CHANGED my ticket time for me.
Change the verb in the following sentence to present tense:
She will give many presentations during the semester, and therefore she is going to practice a lot in her free time.
She GIVES many presentations during the semester, and therefore she PRACTICES a lot in her free time.
Change the verb in the following sentence to future tense:
Steve struggled at first in his new job, but he kept working hard and eventually he met with great success.
Steve WILL STRUGGLE at first in his new job, but he WILL KEEP working hard and eventually he WILL MEET with great success.
(Also acceptable: IS GOING TO STRUGGLE / KEEP / MEET)
Correct the mistakes.
Last night, Sally were writing her essay when the computer was stopping working. Sally is so frustrated that she will punch the computer and broke it.
Last night, Sally WAS writing her essay when the computer STOPPED working. Sally WAS so frustrated that she PUNCHED the computer and broke it.
Verbs in the _____ tense show action that happens now.
present
Correct the mistakes of past tense in the following sentence:
While I was run in the park, I falling down.
While I was RUNNING in the park, I FELL down.
Correct the mistakes of present tense in the following sentence:
I am wanting you to help me, please. I needed another person to carried this heavy table into the other room.
I WANT you to help me, please. I NEED another person to CARRY this heavy table into the other room.
You planned a trip to Mexico. You booked a flight with a departure time of 6:00 pm on Saturday. Which of the following sentences is correct?
(a) My flight leaves at 6:00 pm on Saturday.
(b) My flight is leaving at 6:00 pm on Saturday.
(c) My flight will leave at 6:00 pm on Saturday.
(d) All of the above.
(d) For schedules and time-tables, use simple present. For arranged plans, use present progressive or simple future.
Correct the mistakes.
Since I will notice a mistake on my bank statement yesterday, I had to call a manager later today.
Since I NOTICED a mistake on my bank statement yesterday, I HAVE to call a manager later today.
(Also acceptable: I WILL / AM GOING TO HAVE to call...)
Verbs in the _____ tense show action that will happen.
future
Correct the mistakes of past tense in the following sentence:
When I first move to Tokyo, I have trouble understanding all the people who speak too quickly.
Which of the following sentences is correct? Why?
(a) Olivia usually is eating her lunch with her friend Seth.
(b) Olivia usually eats her lunch with her friend Seth.
(b) "Usually" tells us this is a routine or habit. Therefore, we should use simple present.
You need a ride to the airport. Which is the best (most polite) way to ask for help?
(a) Will you bring me to the airport?
(b) Are you going to bring me to the airport?
(a) Use "will" for requests, promises, offers, and quick decisions.
Correct the mistakes.
Last semester, I will live in Australia and I am taking classes there. Right now and for the rest of this year, I attended classes in my hometown. However, next year, I study abroad in Italy.
Last semester, I LIVED in Australia and I TOOK / WAS TAKING classes there. Right now and for the rest of this year, I ATTEND / AM ATTENDING classes in my hometown. However, next year, I WILL / AM GOING TO study abroad in Italy.
What are the two most common aspects of the past, present, and future tenses?
(HINT: S and P)
simple and progressive
(also acceptable: simple and continuous)
In the following sentence, which event occurred first chronologically?
The class began when the teacher arrived.
"...when the teacher arrived."
REMEMBER: In sentences with two (or more) simple past verbs, the one in the "when" clauses comes first.
During the month of May, Gloria started a class at culinary school. She will continue taking the class until June, but she isn't in her class at this exact moment. Which sentence is correct? Why?
(a) Gloria is taking a culinary class in May.
(b) Gloria takes a culinary class in May.
You notice your friend's baby walking very close to the street. You are afraid the baby might get hurt since there is a car driving up the street right now! What is the best way to express your concern?
(a) That baby is going to get hurt!
(b) That baby will get hurt!
(a) Use "being going to" for predictions based on present indicators (i.e., things you can see or hear that give you a clue about what will happen next).
SURPRISE:
Make the silliest or craziest face you can, and hold it for ten seconds!
"Cheese!"