Chart Tense

TENSE | STRUCT: Affirmative/Negative/Question | USE | EXAMPLES |
SIMPLE PRESENTExceptions in SpellingThe verbs can, may, might, must remain the same in all forms. So don't add s.example: he can, she may, it mustVerbs ending in o or a sibilant (ch, sh, s, x) add es instead of s.example: do - he does, wash - she washesA final y after a consonant becomes ie before s.example: worry - he worriesBut:A final y after a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) is not modified.example: play - he playsShort FormsI'm English.We're English. We aren't English.He's English. He isn't English.I've got a dog. I haven't got a dog.He's got a dog. He hasn't got a dog.I don't play tennisHe doesn't play tennis.Typical Signal Words * always * every ... * often * normally * usually *sometimes * seldom * never | A: Subject + VSF(s) + C. | Action in the present taking place once, never or several times.Example: Colin always plays soccer on Tuesdays.Actions taking place one after another.Example: She takes her bag and leaves.Facts (something is generally known to be true).Example: The sun sets in the west.Action set by a timetable or schedule.Example: The train leaves at 9pm.Verbs of possession, senses, emotions and mental activity.Example: I love her. | I/you/we/they speak.He/She/It speaks.Be:I am. He/she/it is. You/we/they are. Have:I/you/we/they have got/have.He/she/it has got/has. |
| N: Subject + do/does not + VSF + C. | | I/ You/ We/ they do not speak.He/ She/ It does not speak.Be:I am not.He/she/it is not.You/we/they arenot.Have:I/you/we/they have not got/do not have.He/she/it has not got/does not have. |
| Q: Do/Does + Subject + VSF + C? | | Do I/ You/ We/ they speak?Does he/ she/ it speak?Be:Am I?Is He/she/it?Are You/we/they?Have:Have I/you/we/they got? / Do I/you/we/they have?Has he/she/it got? / Does he/she/it have? |
TENSE | STRUCT: Affirmative/Negative/Question | USE | EXAMPLES |
PRESENT CONTINUOSThe presentprogressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action.The present progressive or continuos is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking and for actions taking place only for a short period of time. It is also used to express development and actions that are arranged for the near future.Typical Signal Words * at the moment * now / just now / right now * Listen! * Look! | A:Subject + be + V[ing] + C. | Action taking place in the moment of speaking (now).Example:He is playing football.Action arranged for the near future.Example:I'm going to the theatre tonight.Action taking place only for a limited period of time.Example:Jim is helping in his brother's firm this week.Actions taking place around now (but not at the moment of speaking)Example:I'm studying for myexams.Development, changing situations.Example:The population of China is rising very fast. | I am playing.You/ We/ They are playing.He/ She/ It is speaking. |
| N:  Subject + be not + V[ing] + C. | | I am not playing.You/ We/ They are not playing.He is not speaking. |
| Q: Be + Subject + V[ing] + C? | | Am I playing?Are you/ we/ they playing?Is he/ she/ it speaking? |
TENSE | STRUCT:Affirmative/Negative/Question | USE | EXAMPLES |
SIMPLE PASTSignal Words of Simple Past * yesterday, 2 minutes ago, in 1990, the other day, last Friday * If-Satz Typ II (If I talked, …) | A: Subject + VSP + C. | Finished action in the past taking place once, never or several times.Example: He visited his parents every weekend.Actions taking place one after another.Example: He came in, took off hiscoat and sat down.Action definite time taking place in the middle of another action.Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.if sentences type II (If I talked, …)Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you. | I/ You/ He/ She/ it/ we/ they spoke. |
Exceptions in spelling when adding ed | Example | N: Subject + did not + VSF + C. | | I/ You/ He/ She/ it/ we/...