English Grammar - Verbs

VERBS
Selecting the correct verb tense and conjugating verbs correctly is tricky in English. Click on the
verb tense to read more about how to form this tense and how it is used, or select a time to see the
full list of tenses and references on that time.
PRESENT TENSES IN ENGLISH

There are four present tenses in English. Use the present tense to talk about something that is
going on now or that is true now and any time.
 Simple present to express habits and general truths.
 Present continuous to talk about an action happening now.
 Present perfect for repeated actions, actions where the time is not important, and actions that
began in the past but are not finished yet.
 Present perfect continuous to talk about ongoing actions where both the process and the result
are important.
SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE IS USED:
1. To express habits, general truths, repeated actions or unchanging situations, emotions and
wishes:
I smoke (habit); I work in London (unchanging situation); London is a large city (general
truth)
2. To give instructions or directions:
You walk for two hundred meters, then you turn left.
3. To express fixed arrangements, present or future:
Your exam starts at 09.00
4. To express future time, after some conjunctions: after, when, before, as soon as, until:
He'll give it to you when you come next Saturday.
Be careful! The simple present is not used to express actions happening now.
EXAMPLES
 For habits  For instructions or directions
He drinks tea at breakfast. Open the packet and pour the
She only eats fish. contents into hot water.
They watch television regularly. You take the No.6 bus to Watney
 For repeated actions or events and then the No.10 to Bedford.
We catch the bus every morning.  For fixed arrangements
It rains every afternoon in the hot His mother arrives tomorrow.
season. Our holiday starts on the 26th
They drive to Monaco every March
summer.  With future constructions
 For general truths She'll see you before she leaves.
Water freezes at zero degrees. We'll give it to her when she arrives.
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Her mother is Peruvian.
FORMING THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE: TO THINK
Affirmati
Interrogative Negative
ve
I think Do I think? I do not think
You think Do you think? You do not think
He thinks Does he think? He does not think
Does she
She thinks She does not think
think?
It thinks Does it think? It does not think
We think Do we think? We do not think.
They think Do they think? They do not think.
NOTES ON THE SIMPLE PRESENT, THIRD PERSON SINGULAR

1. In the third person singular the verb always ends in -s:
he wants, she needs, he gives, she thinks.
2. Negative and question forms use DOES (= the third person of the auxiliary 'DO') + the
infinitive of the verb.
He wants ice cream. Does he want strawberry? He does not want vanilla.
3. Verbs ending in -y : the third person changes the -y to -ies:
fly --> flies, cry --> cries
Exception: if there is a vowel before the -y:
play --> plays, pray --> prays
4. Add -es to verbs ending in:-ss, -x, -sh, -ch:
he passes, she catches, he fixes, it pushes
EXAMPLES
 He goes to school every morning.  He tries very hard.
 She understands English.  She enjoys playing the piano.
 It mixes the sand and the water.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

FORMING THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
The present continuous of any verb is composed of two parts - the present tense of the verb to be
+ the present participle of the main verb.
(The form of the present participle is: base+ing, e.g. talking, playing, moving, smiling)
Affirmative
Subjec + base
+ to be
t + ing
She is talking.
Negative
Subjec + to be + + base
t not + ing
She is not (isn't) talking
Interrogative
+ base
to be + subject
+ ing
Is she talking?
EXAMPLES: TO GO, PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Affirmative Negative Interrogative

I am going I am not going Am I going?
You are going You aren't going. Are you going?
He, she, it is He, she, it isn't Is he, she, it
going going going?
We are going We aren't going Are we going?
You are going You aren't going Are you going?
They are going They aren't going Are they going?
Note: alternative negative contractions: I'm not going, you're not going, he's not going etc.
FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

As with all tenses in English, the speaker's attitude is as important as the time of the action or
event. When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking about something that
is unfinished or incomplete
THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS IS USED:

1. to describe an action that is going on at this moment:
You are using the Internet. You are studying English grammar.
2. to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend:
Are you still working for the same company? More and more people are
becoming vegetarian.
3. to describe an action or event in the future, which has already been planned or prepared:
We're going on holiday tomorrow. I'm meeting my boyfriend tonight. Are they visiting you
next winter?
4. to describe a temporary event or situation:
He usually plays the drums, but he's playing bass guitar tonight. The weather forecast was
good, but it's raining at the moment.
5. with "always, forever, constantly", to describe and emphasize a continuing series of repeated
actions:
Harry and Sally are always arguing! You're constantly complaining about your mother-in-
law!
BE CAREFUL! Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form
VERBS THAT ARE NOT USUALLY USED IN THE CONTINUOUS FORM

The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to states,
rather than actions or processes.
1. SENSES / PERCEPTION
 to feel*  to see*  to taste
 to hear  to smell
2. OPINION
 to assume  to consider  to feel (= to
 to believe  to doubt think)
 to find (= to  to suppose
consider)  to think*
3. MENTAL STATES
 to forget  to mean  to remember
 to imagine  to notice  to understand
 to know  to recognize
4. EMOTIONS / DESIRES
 to envy  to hope  to prefer
 to fear  to like  to regret
 to dislike  to love  to want
 to hate  to mind  to wish
5. MEASUREMENT
 to contain  to hold  to weigh
 to cost  to measure
6. OTHERS
 to look (=resemble)  to have(when it means "to
 to seem possess")*
 to be (in most cases)
7. EXCEPTIONS
Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: : I can see... These verbs
may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning
 This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
 John's feeling much better now (his health is improving)
 She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)
 She's having supper. (She's eating)
 I can see Anthony in the garden (perception)
 I'm seeing Anthony later (We are planning to meet)
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

FORMING THE PRESENT PERFECT
The present perfect of any verb is composed of two elements: the appropriate form of the
auxiliary verb to have (present tense), plus the past participle of the main verb. The past
participle of a regular verb is base+ed, e.g. played, arrived, looked. For irregular verbs, see
the Table of irregular verbs in the section called 'Verbs'.
Affirmative Negative
Subjec to past past
Subject to have + not
t have participle participle
She has visited. She has not (hasn't) visited.
Interrogative Negative interrogative
to subjec past to have + past
subject
have t participle not participle
Has she visited? Hasn't she visited?
TO WALK, PRESENT PERFECT

I have walked I haven't walked Have I walked?
You have walked You haven't walked. Have you walked?
He, she, it has Has he, she, it
He, she, hasn't walked
walked walked?
We have walked We haven't walked Have we walked?
You have walked You haven't walked Have you walked?
They have walked They haven't walked Have they walked?
PRESENT PERFECT WITH EVER, NEVER, ALREADY, YET

EVER
The adverbs ever and never express the idea of an unidentified time before now (Have
you ever visited Berlin?)'Ever' and 'never' are always placed before the main verb (past
participle). Ever is used:
IN QUESTIONS
EXAMPLES
 Have you ever been to England?  Has she ever met the Prime
Minister?
IN NEGATIVE QUESTIONS
EXAMPLES
 Haven't they ever been to Europe?  Haven't you ever eaten Chinese
food?
IN NEGATIVE STATEMENTS USING THE PATTERN NOTHING+EVER OR

NOBODY+EVER
EXAMPLES
 Nobody has ever said that to me  Nothing like this has ever happened
before. to us.
WITH 'THE FIRST TIME'

EXAMPLES
 It's the first time that I've ever eaten  This is the first time I've ever been
snails. to England.
NEVER
Never means at no time before now, and is the same as not ..... ever: (I have never visited Berlin)
BE CAREFUL! You must not use never and not together
I haven't never been to Italy.

I have never been to Italy.
ALREADY
Already refers to an action that has happened at an unspecified time before now. It suggests that
there is no need for repetition.
EXAMPLES
 I've already drunk three coffees this morning. (= and you're offering me another one!)
 Don't write to John, I've already done it.

It is also used in questions:
 Have you already written to John?  Has she finished her
homework already?

Already can be placed before the main verb (past participle) or at the end of the sentence:
 I have already been to Tokyo.  I have been to Tokyo already.
YET
Yet is used in negative statements and questions, to mean (not) in the period of time between
before now and now, (not) up to and including the present. Yet is usually placed at the end of the
sentence.
EXAMPLES
 Have you met Judy yet?  Has he arrived yet?
 I haven't visited the Tate Gallery yet  They haven't eaten yet

PRESENT PERFECT WITH FOR AND SINCE
Using the present perfect, we can define a period of time before now by considering
its duration, with for + a period of time, or by considering its starting point, with since + a
point in time. FOR and SINCE can also both be used with the past perfect. SINCE can only be
used with perfect tenses. FOR can also be used with the simple past.
FOR + A PERIOD OF TIME

for six years, for a week, for a month, for hours, for two hours
 I have worked here for five years.
SINCE + A POINT IN TIME

since this morning, since last week, since yesterday
since I was a child, since Wednesday, since 2 o'clock
 I have worked here since 1990.
PRESENT PERFECT WITH FOR

 She has lived here for twenty years.  Alice has been married for three
 We have taught at this school for a months.
long time.  They have been at the hotel for a
week.
PRESENT PERFECT WITH SINCE

 She has lived here since 1980.
 We have taught at this school since 1965.
 Alice has been married since March 2nd.
 They have been at the hotel since last Tuesday.
FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT PERFECT
The Present Perfect is used to indicate a link between the present and the past. The time of the
action is before now but not specified, and we are often more interested in the result than in the
action itself.
BE CAREFUL! There may be a verb tense in your language with a similar form, but the
meaning is probably NOT the same.
THE PRESENT PERFECT IS USED TO DESCRIBE
1. An action or situation that started in the past and continues in the present.
I have lived in Bristol since 1984 (= and I still do.)
2. An action performed during a period that has not yet finished.
She has been to the cinema twice this week (= and the week isn't over yet.)
3. A repeated action in an unspecified period between the past and now.
We have visited Portugal several times.
4. An action that was completed in the very recent past, expressed by 'just'.
I have just finished my work.
5. An action when the time is not important.
He has read 'War and Peace'. (= the result of his reading is important)
Note: When we want to give or ask details about when, where, who, we use the simple past. Read
more about choosing between the present perfect and the simple past tenses.
ACTIONS STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUING IN THE PRESENT
1. They haven't lived here for years.

2. She has worked in the bank for five years.
3. We have had the same car for ten years.
4. Have you played the piano since you were a child?
WHEN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO HAS NOT FINISHED
1. I have worked hard this week.

2. It has rained a lot this year.
3. We haven't seen her today.
ACTIONS REPEATED IN AN UNSPECIFIED PERIOD BETWEEN THE PAST AND NOW.
1. They have seen that film six times

2. It has happened several times already.
3. She has visited them frequently.
4. We have eaten at that restaurant many times.
ACTIONS COMPLETED IN THE VERY RECENT PAST (+JUST)
1. Have you just finished work?

2. I have just eaten.
3. We have just seen her.
4. Has he just left?
WHEN THE PRECISE TIME OF THE ACTION IS NOT IMPORTANT OR NOT KNOWN
1. Someone has eaten my soup!

2. Have you seen 'Gone with the Wind'?
3. She's studied Japanese, Russian, and English.
Read more about using the present perfect with the words "ever", "never", "already", and "yet",
and about using the present perfect with the words "for" and "since".
PRESENT PERFECT VS. SIMPLE PAST
You must always use the Present perfect when the time of an action is not important or not
specified.
You must always use the Simple past when details about the time or place that an action
occurred are given or requested.
COMPARE:
Present perfect Simple past
I have lived in Lyon. I lived in Lyon in 1989.
They have eaten Thai They ate Thai food last

food. night.
Have you seen 'Othello'?. Where did you see 'Othello'?
We have been to Ireland. When did you go to Ireland?
There is also a difference in attitude between the two tenses, which is often an important factor
in choosing which tense to use.
1. "What did you do at school today?"

I use the simple past tense because the question is about activities, and the school day is
considered finished.
2. "What have you done at school today?"
I use the present perfect because the question is about results: « show me ». The time at
which the question is asked is considered as a continuation of the school day.
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

FORMING THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
The present perfect continuous is made up of two elements: the present perfect of the verb 'to
be' (have/has been), and the present participle of the main verb (base+ing)
Subjec has/have
base+ing
t been
swimmin
She has been
g
Affirmative: She has been / She's been running.

Negative: She hasn't been running.
Interrogative: Has she been running?
Interrogative negative: Hasn't she been running?
EXAMPLE: PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS, TO LIVE
I have been living I haven't been living Have I been living?

You have been living You haven't been living Have you been living?
He, she, it has been

He hasn't been living Has she been living?
living
We have been living We haven't been living Have we been living?
You have been living You haven't been living Have you been living?
They haven't been Have they been

They have been living
living living?
FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
The present perfect continuous refers to an unspecified time between 'before now' and 'now'. The
speaker is thinking about something that started but perhaps did not finish in that period of time.
He/she is interested in the process as well as the result, and this process may still be going on, or
may have just finished.
ACTIONS THAT STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUE IN THE PRESENT
1. She has been waiting for you all day (= and she's still waiting now).
2. I've been working on this report since eight o'clock this morning (= and I still haven't
finished it).
3. They have been travelling since last October (= and they're not home yet).
ACTIONS THAT HAVE JUST FINISHED, BUT WE ARE INTERESTED IN THE RESULTS
1. She has been cooking since last night (= and the food on the table looks delicious).
2. It's been raining (= and the streets are still wet).
3. Someone's been eating my chips (= half of them have gone).
VERBS WITHOUT CONTINUOUS FORMS
With verbs not normally used in the continuous form, use the simple present perfect. For
example:
1. I've wanted to visit China for years.

2. She's known Robert since she was a child.
3. I've hated that music since I first heard it.
4. I've heard a lot about you recently.
5. We've understood everything.
6. We've heard this morning.
PAST TENSES IN ENGLISH
There are four past tenses in English. Use them to talk about things that started and ended in the
past or things that started in the past and continue to the present.
 Simple Past for actions starting and ending in the past.

 Past Continuous for actions starting in the past and continuing to the present.
 Past Perfect for actions that started and ended in the past before another action that is also in
the past.
 Past Perfect Continuous for actions that were going on in the past up until another action in
the past happened.
SIMPLE PAST TENSE

FUNCTIONS OF THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE
The simple past is used to talk about a completed action in a time before now. Duration is not
important. The time of the action can be in the recent past or the distant past.
EXAMPLES
 John Cabot sailed to America in  He lived in Fiji in 1976.

1498.  We crossed the Channel yesterday.
 My father died last year.
You always use the simple past when you say when something happened, so it is associated with
certain past time expressions
 frequency: often, sometimes, always
I sometimes walked home at lunchtime.
I often brought my lunch to school.
 a definite point in time: last week, when I was a child, yesterday, six weeks ago
We saw a good film last week.
Yesterday, I arrived in Geneva.
She finished her work at seven o'clock
I went to the theatre last night
 an indefinite point in time: the other day, ages ago, a long time ago
People lived in caves a long time ago.
 She played the piano when she was a child.
Note: the word ago is a useful way of expressing the distance into the past. It is placed after the
period of time: a week ago, three years ago, a minute ago.
Be Careful: The simple past in English may look like a tense in your own language, but the
meaning may be different.
FORMING THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE

PATTERNS OF SIMPLE PAST TENSE FOR REGULAR VERBS
Affirmative
Subjec + verb +

t ed
I skipped.
Negative
Subjec + infinitive
+ did not
t without to
They didn't go.
Interrogative
+ infinitive
Did + subject
without to
Did she arrive?
Interrogative negative
Did + infinitive
+ subject
not without to
Didn't you play?
TO WALK

I walked I didn't walk Did I walk?
Did you
You walked You didn't walk
walk?
He walked He didn't walk Did he walk?
We walked We didn't walk Did we walk?
They They didn't Did they
walked walk walk?
SIMPLE PAST TENSE OF TO BE, TO HAVE, TO DO
Verb Verb
Subjec
Subject Hav Hav
Be Do t Be Do
e e
di di
I was had We were had
d d
di di
You were had You were had
d d
He/She/I di di
was had They were had
t d d
NOTES ON AFFIRMATIVE, NEGATIVE, & INTERROGATIVE FORMS

AFFIRMATIVE
The affirmative of the simple past tense is simple.
 I was in Japan last year
 She had a headache yesterday.
 We did our homework last night.
NEGATIVE AND INTERROGATIVE

For the negative and interrogative simple past form of "do" as an ordinary verb, use the
auxiliary "do", e.g.
We didn't do our homework last night. The negative of "have" in the simple past is usually
formed using the auxiliary "do", but sometimes by simply adding not or the contraction "n't".
The interrogative form of "have" in the simple past normally uses the auxiliary "do".
EXAMPLES
 They weren't in Rio last summer.
 We didn't have any money.
 We didn't have time to visit the Eiffel Tower.
 We didn't do our exercises this morning.
 Were they in Iceland last January?
 Did you have a bicycle when you were young?
 Did you do much climbing in Switzerland?
Note: For the negative and interrogative form of all verbs in the simple past, always use the
auxiliary 'did''.
SIMPLE PAST, IRREGULAR VERBS

Some verbs are irregular in the simple past. Here are the most common ones.
TO GO
 He went to a club last night.  Did he go to the cinema last night?
 He didn't go to bed early last night.
TO GIVE
 We gave her a doll for her birthday.  Did Barry give you my passport?
 They didn't give John their new
address.
TO COME
 My parents came to visit me last  Did he come to your party last
July. week?
 We didn't come because it was
raining.

PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE
FUNCTIONS OF THE PAST CONTINUOUS
The past continuous describes actions or events in a time before now, which began in the past
and is still going on at the time of speaking. In other words, it expresses an unfinished or
incomplete action in the past.
It is used:
 Often, to describe the background in a story written in the past tense, e.g. "The sun was
shining and the birds were singing as the elephant came out of the jungle. The other
animals were relaxing in the shade of the trees, but the elephant moved very quickly.
She was looking for her baby, and she didn't notice the hunter who was watching her
through his binoculars. When the shot rang out, she was running towards the river..."
 to describe an unfinished action that was interrupted by another event or action, e.g. "I was
having a beautiful dream when the alarm clock rang."
 to express a change of mind: e.g. "I was going to spend the day at the beach but I've decided
to get my homework done instead."
 with 'wonder', to make a very polite request: e.g. "I was wondering if you could baby-sit for
me tonight."
EXAMPLES
 They were waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
 Caroline was skiing when she broke her leg.
 When we arrived he was having a bath.
 When the fire started I was watching television.
Note: with verbs not normally used in the continuous form, the simple past is used.
FORMING THE PAST CONTINUOUS

The past continuous of any verb is composed of two parts: the past tense of the verb "to be"
(was/were), and the base of the main verb +ing.
Subjec base +
was/were
t ing
They were watching
Affirmative
She was reading
Negative
She wasn't reading
Interrogative
Was she reading?
Wasn't she reading?
TO PLAY, PAST CONTINUOUS

I was playing I was not playing Was I playing?
You were not
You were playing Were you playing?
playing
He was playing He wasn't playing Was he playing?
We were playing We weren't playing Were we playing?
They were playing They weren't playing Were they playing?
PAST PERFECT TENSE

FUNCTIONS OF THE PAST PERFECT
The past perfect refers to a time earlier than before now. It is used to make it clear that one
event happened before another in the past. It does not matter which event is mentioned first -
the tense makes it clear which one happened first.
In these examples, Event A is the event that happened first and Event B is the second or more
recent event:
Event A Event B
John had gone out when I arrived in the office.
Event A Event B
I had saved my document before the computer crashed.
Event B Event A
When they arrived we had already started cooking.
Event B Event A
He was very tired because he hadn't slept well.
FORMING THE PAST PERFECT

The Past Perfect tense in English is composed of two parts: the past tense of the verb to have
(had) + the past participle of the main verb.
Subjec past
had
t participle
Affirmative
She had given
Negative
She hadn't asked.
Interrogative
Had they arrived?
Interrogative Negative
Hadn't you finished?
TO DECIDE, PAST PERFECT

I had decided I hadn't decided Had I decided?
You had decided You hadn't decided Had you decided?
She had decided She hadn't decided Had she decided?
We had decided We hadn't decided Had we decided?
They had decided They hadn't decided Had they decided?
PAST PERFECT + JUST

'Just' is used with the past perfect to refer to an event that was only a short time earlier than
before now,
EXAMPLES
 The train had just left when I arrived at the station.
 She had just left the room when the police arrived.
 I had just put the washing out when it started to rain.
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

FUNCTIONS OF THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
The past perfect continuous corresponds to the present perfect continuous, but with reference to a
time earlier than 'before now'. As with the present perfect continuous, we are more interested in
the process.
EXAMPLES
 Had you been waiting long before the taxi arrived?
 We had been trying to open the door for five minutes when Jane found her key.
 It had been raining hard for several hours and the streets were very wet.
 Her friends had been thinking of calling the police when she walked in.
This form is also used in reported speech. It is the equivalent of the past continuous and the
present perfect continuous in direct speech:
1. Jane said, "I have been gardening all afternoon."
= Jane said she had been gardening all afternoon.
2. When the police questioned him, John said, "I was working late in the office that night."
= When the police questioned him, John told them he had been working late in the office
that night.
FORMING THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
The past perfect continuous is composed of two elements - the past perfect of the verb to be
(=had been) + the present participle (base+ing).
verb +
Subject had been
ing
I had been walking
Affirmative
She had been trying
Negative
She hadn't been sleeping
Interrogative
Had you been eating?
Hadn't they been living?
TO BUY, PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been buying I hadn't been buying Had I been buying
You had been buying You hadn't been buying Had you been buying
She had been buying She hadn't been buying Had she been buying
We had been buying We hadn't been buying Had we been buying
They had been buying They hadn't been buying Had they been buying
FUTURE TENSES IN ENGLISH

There are a number of different ways of referring to the future in English. It is important to
remember that we are expressing more than simply the time of the action or event. Obviously,
any 'future' tense will always refer to a time 'later than now', but it may also express our attitude
to the future event.
All of the following ideas can be expressed using different tenses:

1. Simple prediction:
There will be snow in many areas tomorrow.
2. Arrangements:
I'm meeting Jim at the airport.
3. Plans and intentions:
We're going to spend the summer abroad.
4. Time-tabled events:
The plane takes off at 3 a.m.
5. Prediction based on present evidence:
I think it's going to rain!
6. Willingness:
We'll give you a lift to the cinema.
7. An action in progress in the future:
This time next week I'll be sun-bathing.
8. An action or event that is a matter of routine:
You'll be seeing John in the office tomorrow, won't you?
9. Obligation:
You are to travel directly to London.
10. An action or event that will take place immediately or very soon:
The train is about to leave.
11. Projecting ourselves into the future and looking back at a completed action:
A month from now he will have finished all his exams.
It is clear from these examples that several tenses are used to express the future. The future tense
section shows the form and function of each of these uses of future tenses.
There are four future verb tenses in English.

1. Simple future tense 3. Future perfect tense
2. Future continuous tense 4. Future perfect continuous tense
SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE

FUNCTIONS OF THE SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE
The simple future refers to a time later than now, and expresses facts or certainty. In this case
there is no 'attitude'.
The simple future is used:

1. To predict a future event:
It will rain tomorrow.
2. With I or We, to express a spontaneous decision:
I'll pay for the tickets by credit card.
3. To express willingness: I'll do the washing-up.
He'll carry your bag for you.
4. In the negative form, to express unwillingness:
The baby won't eat his soup.
I won't leave until I've seen the manager!
5. With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to make an offer:
Shall I open the window?
6. With we in the interrogative form using "shall", to make a suggestion:
Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
7. With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to ask for advice or instructions:
What shall I tell the boss about this money?
8. With you, to give orders:
You will do exactly as I say.
9. With you in the interrogative form, to give an invitation:
Will you come to the dance with me?
Will you marry me?
Note: In modern English will is preferred to shall. Shall is mainly used with I and we to make an
offer or suggestion, or to ask for advice (see examples above). With the other persons (you, he,
she, they) shall is only used in literary or poetic situations, e.g. "With rings on her fingers and
bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes."
FORMING THE SIMPLE FUTURE
The simple future tense is composed of two parts: will / shall + the infinitive without to
Subjec will infinitive without Subjec will infinitive without

t to t to
will
I will go They see
not
shal
I go They won't see
l
Interrogative Interrogative negative
Will she ask? Won't they try?
CONTRACTIONS
1. I will = I'll 6. They will = they'll
2. We will = we'll 7. Will not = won't
3. You will = you'll 8. The form "it will" is not normally
4. He will = he'll shortened.
5. She will = she'll
TO SEE: SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE
Interrogative
Negative
I will see I won't see Will I see? Won't I see?
*I shall see *Shall I see?
You will see You won't see Will you see? Won't you see?
He will see He won't see Will he see? Won't he see?
We will see We won't see Will we see? Won't we see?
*We shall *Shall we

see see?
They will see They won't see Will they see? Won't they see?
*Shall is dated, but it is still commonly used instead of "will" with the affirmative or
interrogative forms of I and we in certain cases (see above).
FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE

FORM
The future continuous is made up of two elements:
the simple future of the verb 'to be' + the present participle (base+ing)
Subjec simple future of the verb 'to present

t be' participle
You will be watching
I will be staying
TO STAY, FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Negative
Interrogative
I will be staying. I won't be staying. Will I be staying? Won't I be staying?
You will be
You won't be staying. Will you be staying? Won't you be staying?
staying.
He will be staying. He won't be staying. Will he be staying? Won't he be staying?
She will be staying. She won't be staying. Will she be staying? Won't she be staying?
It will be staying. It won't be staying. Will it be staying? Won't it be staying?
We will be staying. We won't be staying. Will we be staying? Won't we be staying?
They will be They won't be Will they be
Won't they be staying?
staying. staying. staying?
FUNCTIONS
The future continuous refers to an unfinished action or event that will be in progress at a time
later than now. The future continuous is used for quite a few different purposes.
1. The future continuous can be used to project ourselves into the future.
EXAMPLES
 This time next week I will be sun-bathing in Bali.
 By Christmas I will be skiing like a pro.
 Just think, next Monday you will be working in your new job.
2. The future continuous can be used for predicting or guessing about future events.
EXAMPLES
 He'll be coming to the meeting, I expect.
 I guess you'll be feeling thirsty after working in the sun.
 You'll be missing the sunshine once you're back in England.
3. In the interrogative form, the future continuous can be used to ask politely for information
about the future.
EXAMPLES
 Will you be bringing your friend to the pub tonight?
 Will Jim be coming with us?
 Will she be going to the party tonight?
 Will I be sleeping in this room?
4. The future continuous can be used to refer to continuous events that we expect to happen in
the future.
EXAMPLES
 I'll be seeing Jim at the conference next week.
 When he is in Australia he will be staying with friends.
 I'll be eating with Jane this evening so I can tell her.
5. When combined with still, the future continuous refers to events that are already happening
now and that we expect to continue some time into the future.
EXAMPLES
 In an hour I'll still be ironing my clothes.
 Tomorrow he'll still be suffering from his cold.
 Next year will she still be wearing a size six?
 Won't stock prices still be falling in the morning?
 Unfortunately, sea levels will still be rising in 20 years.
FUTURE PERFECT TENSE

FORM
The future perfect is composed of two elements
the simple future of the verb "to have" (will have) + the past participle of the main verb
Subjec + will + past participle of the main

t have verb
He will have finished.
I will have finished.
TO ARRIVE, FUTURE PERFECT TENSE
Affirmative Negative Interrogative Negative Interrogative

I will have arrived I won't have arrived Will I have arrived? Won't I have arrived?
You will have
You won't have arrived Will you have arrived? Won't you have arrived?
arrived
He will have arrived He won't have arrived Will he have arrived? Won't he have arrived?
We will have arrived We won't have arrived Will we have arrived? Won't we have arrived?
They will have They won't have Will they have
Won't they have arrived?
arrived arrived arrived?
FUNCTION
The future perfect tense refers to a completed action in the future. When we use this tense we are
projecting ourselves forward into the future and looking back at an action that will be completed
some time later than now. It is most often used with a time expression.
EXAMPLES
 I will have been here for six months on June 23rd.
 By the time you read this I will have left.
 You will have finished your report by this time next week.
 Won't they have arrived by 5:00?
 Will you have eaten when I pick you up?
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
FORM
The future perfect continuous is composed of two elements
the future perfect of the verb "to be" (will have been) + the present participle of the main
verb (base + ing)
Subjec + will have + present

t been participle
He will have been playing.
I will have been playing.
TO LIVE, FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
I will have been living I won't have been living
You will have been living You won't have been living
He will have been living He won't have been living
We will have been living We won't have been living
They will have been living They won't have been living
Interrogative Negative Interrogative

Will I have been living? Won't I have been living?
Will you have been living? Won't you have been living?
Will he have been living? Won't he have been living?
Will we have been living? Won't we have been living?
Will they have been living? Won't they have been living?
FUNCTION
Like the future perfect simple, this form is used to project ourselves forward in time and to look
back. It refers to events or actions in a time between now and some future time are unfinished. It
is most often used with a time expression.
EXAMPLES
 I will have been waiting here for three hours by six o'clock.
 By 2001 I will have been living in London for sixteen years.
 When I finish this course, I will have been learning English for twenty years.
 Next year I will have been working here for four years.
 When I come at 6:00, will you have been practicing long?
TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE WITHOUT USING A FUTURE VERB TENSE
There are also several other ways to talk about the future without using a future verb tense.
USING THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS TO TALK ABOUT FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS

The present continuous is used to talk about arrangements for events at a time later than now.
There is a suggestion that more than one person is aware of the event, and that some preparation
has already happened.
e.g. • I'm meeting Jim at the airport
= Jim and I have discussed this.
• I am leaving tomorrow.
= I've already bought my train ticket.
• We're having a staff meeting next Monday
= all members of staff have been told about it.
EXAMPLES
 Is she seeing him tomorrow?
 He isn't working next week.
 They aren't leaving until the end of next year.
 We are staying with friends when we get to Boston.
Note: In the first example, "seeing" is used in a continuous form because it means "meeting".
BE CAREFUL! The simple present is used when a future event is part of a programme or time-
table.
Notice the difference between:

a. We're having a staff meeting next Monday = just that once
b. We have a staff meeting every Monday
USING THE SIMPLE PRESENT TO TALK ABOUT SCHEDULED EVENTS

The simple present is used to make statements about events at a time later than now, when the
statements are based on present facts, and when these facts are something fixed like a time-table,
schedule, and calendar.
EXAMPLES
 The plane arrives at 18.00 tomorrow.
 She has a yoga class tomorrow morning.
 The restaurant opens at 19.30 tonight.
 Next Thursday at 14.00 there is an English exam.
 The plane leaves in ten minutes.
USING "GOING" TO TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE
FORM
When we use going in a phrase to talk about the future, the form is composed of three elements:
the verb to be conjugated to match the subject + going + the infinitive of the main verb
Subjec + to be + +
t (conjugated) going infinitive
She is going to leave.
I am going to stay.
Affirmative
He is going to jog.
Negative
He is not going to jog.
Interrogative
Is he going to jog?
Negative Interrogative
Isn't he going to jog?
FUNCTION
The use of going to refer to future events suggests a very strong association with the present. The
time is not important, it is later than now, but the attitude is that the event depends on something
in the present situation that we know about. Going is mainly used to refer to our plans and
intentions or to make predictions based on present evidence. In everyday speech, going to is often
shortened to gonna, especially in American English, but it is never written that way.
1. USING "GOING" FOR PLANS AND INTENTIONS

EXAMPLES
 Is Freddy going to buy a new car soon?
 Are John and Pam going to visit Milan when they are in Italy?
 I think Nigel and Mary are going to have a party next week.
 We are going to have dinner together tomorrow.
 Aren't you going to stay at the library until your report is finished?
2. USING "GOING" FOR PREDICTIONS

EXAMPLES
 He's going to be a brilliant politician.
 I'm going to have a hard time falling asleep.
 You're going to be sorry you said that.
 Is it going to rain this afternoon?
 Aren't they going to come to the party?
FUTURE OBLIGATIONS
FORM
When we write about future obligations, we can use a formal pattern composed of two elements
the verb to be in the present tense conjugated to match the subject + the infinitive of the
main verb
TO TRAVEL, AS A FUTURE OBLIGATION
Negative
Interrogative
I am to travel. I am not to travel. Am I to travel? Am I not to travel?
You are to travel. You are not to travel. Are you to travel? Aren't you to travel?
He is to travel. He is not to travel. Is he to travel? Isn't he to travel?
It is to travel. It is not to travel. Is it to travel? Isn't it to travel?
We are to travel. We are not to travel. Are we to travel? Aren't we to travel?
They are to
They are not to travel. Are they to travel? Aren't they to travel?
travel.
FUNCTION
In written English, we can use this pattern to refer to an obligation or requirement that we do
something at a time later than now. It is similar in meaning to must, but there is a suggestion that
something has been arranged or organized for us. It is not normally used in spoken English.
EXAMPLES
 You are to leave this room at once, and you are to travel by train to London.
 In London you are to pick up your ticket from Mr Smith, and you are to fly to your
destination alone.
 When you arrive, you are to meet our agent, Mr X, who will give you further information.
 You are to destroy this message now.
THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

FORM
When we talk about the immediate future, we can use a pattern composed of three elements:
the verb "to be", conjugated in the present tense, + about + the infinitive of the main verb
Subjec + to + about (or just +

t be about) infinitive
I am about to be sick
They are about to arrive.
It is just about to explode.
TO LEAVE, IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
I am about to leave. I am not about to leave.
You are about to leave. You are not about to leave.
He is about to leave. He is not about to leave.
We are about to leave. We aren't about to leave.
They are about to leave. They aren't about to leave.
Interrogative Negative Interrogative

Am I about to leave? Am I not about to leave?
Are you about to leave? Aren't you about to leave?
Is he about to leave? Isn't he about to leave?
Are we about to leave? Aren't we about to leave?
Are they about to leave? Aren't they about to leave?
FUNCTION
This pattern is used to refer to a time immediately after the moment of speaking, and emphasizes
that the event or action will happen very soon. We often add the word just before the word about,
which emphasizes the immediacy of the action.
EXAMPLES
 She is about to cry.
 You are about to see something very unusual.
 I am about to go to a meeting.
 We are just about to go inside.
 Sally is just about to jump off that diving board.
This pattern can also be used with the simple past tense of to be in place of the present tense, to
refer to an action that was imminent, but was interrupted. That pattern is often followed by a
clause introduced by when.
EXAMPLES
 She was about to leave when Jim arrived.
 When it started to rain, I was about to go out for a walk.
 I was just about to call her when she walked in.
 The car was just about to flip over when he regained control.
PERFECT TENSES IN ENGLISH
Present perfect tense I have lived here since 1987.

Present perfect continuous I have been living here for years.
Past perfect We had been to see her several times before she visited us.
He had been watching her for some time when she turned and
Past perfect continuous
smiled.
Future perfect We will have arrived in the States by the time you get this letter.
By the end of your course, you will have been studying for five
Future perfect continuous
years.
CONDITIONAL TENSES IN ENGLISH

Conditional tenses are used to speculate about what could happen, what might have happened,
and what we wish would happen. In English, most sentences using the conditional contain the
word if. Many conditional forms in English are used in sentences that include verbs in one of the
past tenses. This usage is referred to as "the unreal past" because we use a past tense but we are
not actually referring to something that happened in the past. There are five main ways of
constructing conditional sentences in English. In all cases, these sentences are made up of
an if clause and a main clause. In many negative conditional sentences, there is an equivalent
sentence construction using "unless" instead of "if".
Conditional
If clause
sentence Usage Main clause verb tense
verb tense
type
Simple
Zero General truths Simple present
present
A possible condition and its probable Simple
Type 1 Simple future
result present
A hypothetical condition and its Present conditional or Present
Type 2 Simple past
probable result continuous conditional
An unreal past condition and its
Type 3 Past perfect Perfect conditional
probable result in the past
An unreal past condition and its
Mixed type Past perfect Present conditional
probable result in the present
THE ZERO CONDITIONAL

The zero conditional is used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the
situation is real and possible. The zero conditional is often used to refer to general truths. The
tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present. In zero conditional sentences, the word
"if" can usually be replaced by the word "when" without changing the meaning.
If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple present
If this thing
that thing happens.
happens
If you heat ice it melts.
If it rains the grass gets wet.
FORM
In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present.

(condition) (result)
If + simple present simple present
If this thing
that thing happens.
happens
As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange
the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is
identical. In zero conditional sentences, you can replace "if" with "when", because both express
general truths. The meaning will be unchanged.
EXAMPLES
 If you heat ice, it melts.  If it rains, the grass gets wet.
 Ice melts if you heat it.  The grass gets wet if it rains.
 When you heat ice, it melts.  When it rains, the grass gets wet.
 Ice melts when you heat it.  The grass gets wet when it rains.
FUNCTION
The zero conditional is used to make statements about the real world, and often refers to general
truths, such as scientific facts. In these sentences, the time is now or always and the situation
is real and possible.
EXAMPLES
 If you freeze water, it becomes a solid.
 Plants die if they don't get enough water.
 If my husband has a cold, I usually catch it.
 If public transport is efficient, people stop using their cars.
 If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
The zero conditional is also often used to give instructions, using the imperative in the main
clause.
EXAMPLES
 If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema.
 Ask Pete if you're not sure what to do.
 If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
 Meet me here if we get separated.
.
TYPE 1 CONDITIONAL
The type 1 conditional is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. The
type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. In these sentences the if
clause is in the simple present, and the main clause is in the simple future.

If + simple present simple future
If this thing
that thing will happen.
happens
you will miss the
If you don't hurry
train.
If it rains today you will get wet.
FORM
In a Type 1 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple present, and the tense in
the main clause is the simple future.
If clause
Main clause (result)
(condition)
If + simple present simple future
If this thing
that thing will happen.
happens
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If it rains, you will get wet.  If you don't hurry, you will miss the
 You will get wet if it rains. bus.
 If Sally is late again I will be mad.  You will miss the bus if you don't
 I will be mad if Sally is late again. hurry.
FUNCTION
The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. These sentences are
based on facts, and they are used to make statements about the real world, and about particular
situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings. In type 1 conditional sentences, the
time is the present or future and the situation is real.
EXAMPLES
 If I have time, I'll finish that letter.  If you drop that glass, it will break.
 What will you do if you miss the  If you don't drop the gun, I'll shoot!
plane?  If you don't leave, I'll call the police.
 Nobody will notice if you make a
mistake.
In type 1 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of the future
tense to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
EXAMPLES
 If you drop that glass, it might break.

 I may finish that letter if I have time.
 If he calls you, you should go.
 If you buy my school supplies for me, I will be able to go to the park.
TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL
The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that
is unreal. These sentences are not based on fact. The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a
hypothetical condition and its probable result. In type 2 conditional sentences, the if clause uses
the simple past, and the main clause uses the present conditional.
If + simple past present conditional or present continuous conditional
that thing would happen. (but I'm not sure this thing will happen)
OR
If this thing happened
that thing would be happening.
If you went to bed earlier you would not be so tired.
If it rained you would get wet.
If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy.
Read more about how to use the type 2 conditional with the present conditional and how to use
the present continuous conditional in type 2 conditional sentence.
HOW TO USE THE PRESENT CONDITIONAL IN TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL SENTENCE

FORM
In a Type 2 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple past, and the tense in the
main clause is the present conditional or the present continuous conditional.
If clause (condition) Main clause (result)
present conditional or present continuous

If + simple past
conditional
If this thing happened that thing would happen.
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If it rained, you would get wet.

 You would get wet if it rained.
 If she fell, she would hurt herself.
 She would hurt herself if she fell.
 If you went to bed earlier you wouldn't be so tired.
 You wouldn't be so tired if you went to bed earlier.
FUNCTION
The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result.
These sentences are not based on the actual situation. In type 2 conditional sentences, the time
is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.
EXAMPLES
 If the weather wasn't so bad, we would go to the park. (But the weather is bad so we can't go.)
 If I was the Queen of England, I would give everyone a chicken. (But I am not the Queen.)
 If you really loved me, you would buy me a diamond ring.
 If I knew where she lived, I would go and see her.
It is correct, and very common, to say "if I were" instead of "if I was" (subjunctive mood).
EXAMPLES
 If I were taller, I would buy this dress.

 If I were 20, I would travel the world.
 If I were you, I would give up smoking.
 If I were a plant, I would love the rain.
In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to
express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
EXAMPLES
 We might buy a larger house if we had more money

 He could go to the concert if you gave him your ticket.
 If he called me, I couldn't hear.
THE PRESENT CONDITIONAL TENSE

The present conditional of any verb is composed of two elements:
would + the infinitive of the main verb, without "to"
Subjec + +
t would infinitive
He would Go
They would Stay

TO GO: PRESENT CONDITIONAL
Interrogative
Negative
I would go I wouldn't go Would I go? Wouldn't I go?
You would go You wouldn't go Would you go? Wouldn't you go?
He would go He wouldn't go Would he go? Wouldn't he go?
She would go She wouldn't go Would she go? Wouldn't she go?
We would go We wouldn't go Would we go? Wouldn't we go?
They would They wouldn't Would they

Wouldn't they go?
go go go?
HOW TO USE THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL IN TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL
SENTENCE
FORM
In type 2 conditional sentences, the continuous form of the present conditional may be used.
present continuous
If + simple past
conditional
If this thing happened that thing would be happening.
FUNCTION
This form is common in type 2 conditional sentences. It expresses an unfinished or continuing
action or situation, which is the probable result of an unreal condition.
EXAMPLES
 I would be working in Italy if I spoke Italian. (But I don't speak Italian, so I am not working
in Italy)
 She wouldn't be living with Jack if she lived with her parents. (But she is living with Jack and
not with her parents).
 You wouldn't be smiling if you knew the truth. (But you are smiling because you don't know
the truth.)
THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL TENSE

The present continuous conditional tense of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + be + present participle
The present participle is formed by taking the base form of the verb and adding the -ing ending.
Subjec + + + present
t would be participle
He would be staying
They would be going

TO LIVE: PRESENT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL
Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative Negative
I would be living I wouldn't be living Would I be living? Wouldn't I be living?
You would be Would you be

You wouldn't be living Wouldn't you be living?
living living?
He would be living He wouldn't be living Would he be living? Wouldn't he be living?
She would be living She wouldn't be living Would she be living? Wouldn't she be living?
We would be living We wouldn't be living Would we be living? Wouldn't we be living?
They would be They wouldn't be Would they be Wouldn't they be

living living living? living?
TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL
The type 3 conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that
is contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The type
3 conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable past result. In type 3
conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the perfect
conditional.
If + past perfect perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional
that thing would have happened. (but neither of those things

If this thing had really happened) OR
happened
that thing would have been happening.
If you had studied

you would have passed the exam.
harder
If it had rained you would have gotten wet.
If I had accepted that

I would have been working in Milan.
promotion
HOW TO USE THE PERFECT CONDITIONAL TENSE IN TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL

SENTENCES
FORM
In a Type 3 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the
main clause is the perfect conditional or the perfect continuous conditional.
perfect conditional or perfect continuous

If + past perfect
conditional
If this thing had happened that thing would have happened.
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If it had rained, you would have gotten wet.

 You would have gotten wet if it had rained.
 You would have passed your exam if you had worked harder.
 If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.
 I would have believed you if you hadn't lied to me before.
 If you hadn't lied to me before, I would have believed you.
FUNCTION
The type 3 conditional refers to an impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the
past. These sentences are truly hypothetical and unreal, because it is now too late for the
condition or its result to exist. There is always some implication of regret with type 3 conditional
sentences. The reality is the opposite of, or contrary to, what the sentence expresses. In type 3
conditional sentences, the time is the past and the situation is hypothetical.
EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I would have passed the exam.

(But I didn't work hard, and I didn't pass the exam.)
 If I had known you were coming I would have baked a cake.
(But I didn't know and I didn't bake a cake.)
 I would have been happy if you had called me on my birthday.
(But you didn't call me and I am not happy.)
EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I might have passed the exam.

 You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.
 If he called you, you could go.
 If you bought my school supplies for me, I might be able to go to the park.
CONTRACTIONS
Both would and had can be contracted to 'd, which can be confusing if you are not confident with
type 3 conditional sentences. Remember 2 rules:
1. would never appears in the if-clause so if 'd appears in the if clause, it must be
abbreviating had.
2. had never appears before have so if 'd appears on a pronoun just before have, it must be
abbreviating would.
EXAMPLES
 If I'd known you were in hospital, I'd have visited you.

 If I had known you were in hospital, I would have visited you.
 I'd have bought you a present if I'd known it was your birthday.
 I would have bought you a present if I had known it was your birthday.
 If you'd given me your e-mail, I'd have written to you.
 If you had given me your e-mail, I would have written to you.
HOW TO USE THE PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL IN TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL
SENTENCES
FORM
In type 3 conditional sentences, the perfect form of the present conditional may be used.
If + past perfect perfect continuous conditional
If this thing had happened that thing would have been happening.
FUNCTION
The perfect continuous conditional can be used in type 3 conditional sentences. It refers to the
unfulfilled result of the action in the if-clause, and expresses this result as an unfinished or
continuous action.
EXAMPLES
 If the weather had been better (but it wasn't), I'd have been sitting in the garden when he
arrived (but I wasn't).
 If she hadn't got a job in London (but she did), she would have been working in Paris (but she
wasn't).
 If I had had a ball I would have been playing football.
 If I had known it was dangerous I wouldn't have been climbing that cliff.
THE PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL TENSE

The perfect continuous conditional tense of any verb is composed of four elements:
would + have + been + present participle
Subjec + + + + present
t would have been participle
He would have been staying
They would have been going
TO WORK: PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL

I would have been I wouldn't have been

living living
You would have You wouldn't have

been living been living
He would have He wouldn't have

She would have She wouldn't have

We would have We wouldn't have

They would have They wouldn't have

Interrogative
Interrogative
Negative
Would I have been Wouldn't I have been

living? living?
Would you have Wouldn't you have

been living? been living?
Would he have been Wouldn't he have been

living? living?
Would she have Wouldn't she have been

been living? living?
Would we have been Wouldn't we have been

living? living?
Would they have Wouldn't they have

been living? been living?
THE PERFECT CONDITIONAL TENSE

The perfect conditional of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + have + past participle
Have followed by the past participle is used in other constructions as well. it is called the "perfect
infinitive".
Subjec + + + past
t would have participle
He would have gone
They would have stayed
TO GO: PERFECT CONDITIONAL
Interrogative
Negative
I would have I wouldn't have Would I have Wouldn't I have

gone gone gone? gone?
You would You wouldn't Would you Wouldn't you

have gone have gone have gone? have gone?
He would He wouldn't have Would he have Wouldn't he have

have gone gone gone? gone?
She would She wouldn't Would she Wouldn't she

We would We wouldn't Would we have Wouldn't we

have gone have gone gone? have gone?
They would They wouldn't Would they Wouldn't they

MIXED TYPE CONDITIONAL
The mixed type conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that
is ongoing into the present. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed.
The mixed type conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable result in
the present. In mixed type conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main
clause uses the present conditional.
If + past perfect or
present conditional or perfect conditional
simple past
If this thing had that thing would happen. (but this thing didn't happen so that
happened thing isn't happening)
If I had worked harder

I would have a better job now.
at school
If we had looked at the

we wouldn't be lost.
map
If you weren't afraid of

you would have picked it up and put it outside.
spiders
It is possible for the two parts of a conditional sentence to refer to different times, and the
resulting sentence is a "mixed conditional" sentence. There are two types of mixed conditional
sentence.
PRESENT RESULT OF A PAST CONDITION
FORM
In this type of mixed conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the
tense in the main clause is the present conditional.
If + past perfect present conditional
If this thing had happened that thing would happen.
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now.

 I would have a better job now if I had worked harder at school.
 If we had looked at the map we wouldn't be lost.
 We wouldn't be lost if we had looked at the map.
 If you had caught that plane you would be dead now.
 You would be dead now if you had caught that plane.
FUNCTION
This type of mixed conditional refers to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the
present. These sentences express a situation which is contrary to reality both in the past and in the
present. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time is the past in the "if" clause and in
the present in the main clause.
EXAMPLES
 If I had studied I would have my driving license.

(but I didn't study and now I don't have my license)
 I would be a millionaire now if I had taken that job.
(but I didn't take the job and I'm not a millionaire)
 If you had spent all your money, you wouldn't buy this jacket.
(but you didn't spend all your money and now you can buy this jacket)
In these mixed conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead
of would to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
EXAMPLES
 If you had crashed the car, you might be in trouble.

 I could be a millionaire now if I had invested in ABC Plumbing.
 If I had learned to ski, I might be on the slopes right now.
PAST RESULT OF PRESENT OR CONTINUING CONDITION

FORM
In this second type of mixed conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple past,
and the tense in the main clause is the perfect conditional.
If + simple past perfect conditional
If this thing happened that thing would have happened.
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If I wasn't afraid of spiders, I would have picked it up.

 I would have picked it up if I wasn't afraid of spiders.
 If we didn't trust him we would have sacked him months ago.
 We would have sacked him months ago if we didn't trust him.
 If I wasn't in the middle of another meeting, I would have been happy to help you.
 I would have been happy to help you if I wasn't in the middle of another meeting.
FUNCTION
These mixed conditional sentences refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but
unreal) pas result. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time in the if clause is now or
always and the time in the main clause is before now. For example, "If I wasn't afraid of spiders"
is contrary to present reality. I am afraid of spiders. "I would have picked it up" is contrary to past
reality. I didn't pick it up.
EXAMPLES
 If she wasn't afraid of flying she wouldn't have travelled by boat.

 I'd have been able to translate the letter if my Italian was better.
 If I was a good cook, I'd have invited them to lunch.
 If the elephant wasn't in love with the mouse, she'd have trodden on him by now.
ADDITIONAL
THE UNREAL PAST
The past tense is sometimes used in English to refer to an unreal situation. So, although the verb
tense is in the past, we are actually talking about something that didn't happen. This is often the
case in conditional sentences when we are talking about a hypothetical situation that might exist
now or at any time. We call this use of the past tense "the unreal past".
The unreal past is used after conditional words and expressions like if, supposing, if only, what if;
after the verb to wish; and after the expression I'd rather.
CONDITIONAL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
The expressions if, supposing, if only, what if can be used to introduce hypothetical situations and
followed by a the simple past tense to indicate that the condition they introduce is imaginary.
EXAMPLES
 Supposing an elephant and a mouse fell in love.

 What if we painted the room yellow?
 If you went to the movies, I would babysit.
 If only I had more money, I could go to the movies too.
These expressions can also introduce hypothetical situations in the past and then they are
followed by the past perfect.
EXAMPLES
 If only I hadn't kissed the frog.

 What if the elephant had stepped on my phone?
 Supposing I had given that man my money.
WISHES
The verb to wish is used with the unreal past when we want to talk about situations in the present
that we are not happy about but cannot change.
EXAMPLES
 I wish I had more money.  We wish we could come to your

 She wishes she was beautiful. party.
When we want to talk about situations in the past that we are not happy about or actions that we
regret, we use the verb to wish followed by the past perfect.
EXAMPLES
 I wish I hadn't said that.  I wish I had taken that job in New
 He wishes he hadn't bought the car. York.
When we want to talk about situations we are not happy about and where we want someone else
to change them, we use to wish followed by would + infinitive.
EXAMPLES
 I wish he would stop smoking.
 I wish you would go away.
 I wish you wouldn't squeeze the toothpaste from the middle!
PREFERENCES USING "I'D RATHER" AND "IT'S TIME"

I'd rather and it's time are also followed by the unreal past. The verb is in the past tense, but the
situation is in the present. When we want to talk about a course of action we would prefer
someone else to take, we use I'd rather + past tense.
EXAMPLES
 I'd rather you went.  I'd rather you didn't hunt elephants.
 He'd rather you called the police.
The stress can be important in these sentences, to show what our preference is.
EXAMPLES
 I'd rather you went. (instead of me)
 I'd rather you went. (instead of staying)
 He'd rather you called the police. (instead of me)
 He'd rather you called the police. (instead of the firemen)
Similarly, when we want to say that now is a suitable moment to do something, either for
ourselves or for someone else, we use it's time + past tense.
EXAMPLES
 It's time you paid that bill.  Don't you think it's time you had a
 It's time I went home. haircut?
HOW TO USE "UNLESS"

Unless means the same as if...not. Like if, unless is followed by a present tense, a past tense, or a
past perfect tense (never by a conditional). Unless is used instead of if...not in conditional
sentences of all types. The order of the clauses doesn't matter with sentences using unless.
TYPE 1 CONDITIONAL: UNLESS + PRESENT TENSE
You will be sick if you don't stop eating.

With If I won't pay if you don't provide the goods immediately.
If you don't study diligently, you'll never understand
trigonometry.
You'll be sick unless you stop eating.
Equivalent with I won't pay unless you provide the goods immediately.
Unless Unless you study diligently, you'll never understand
trigonometry.
TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL: UNLESS + PAST TENSE
If he wasn't very ill, he would be at work.

With If I wouldn't eat that food if I wasn't really hungry.
She would be here by now if she wasn't stuck in traffic.
Unless he was very ill, he would be at work.
Equivalent with I wouldn't eat that food unless I was really hungry.
Unless She would be here by now unless she was stuck in
traffic.
TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL: UNLESS + PAST PERFECT
Our director would not have signed the contract if she hadn't had a lawyer
present.
With If I wouldn't have phoned him if you hadn't suggested it.
They would have shot her if she hadn't given them the money.
Our director would not have signed the contract unless she had had a
Equivale lawyer present.
nt with I wouldn't have phoned him unless you'd suggested it.
Unless
They would have shot her unless she'd given them the money.
THE -ING FORMS

A verb ending in -ing is either a present participle or a gerund. These two forms look identical.
The difference is in their functions in a sentence.
PRESENT PARTICIPLES
A present participle is most commonly used as part of the continuous form of a verb, after verbs
of perception, after verbs of movement, or as an adjective.
PRESENT PARTICIPLES AS PART OF THE CONTINUOUS FORM OF A VERB

Present participles are an element in all continuous verb forms (past, present, future, conditional,
etc.). The helping verb will indicate the tense, while the present participle remains unchanging.
EXAMPLES
 He is painting.  I am working.
 She was waiting.  He was singing.
 They will be coming.  They have been walking.
 We would be staying.  We will be staying.
 I would have been leaving.  She would have been
expecting me.
PRESENT PARTICIPLES AFTER VERBS OF PERCEPTION

Present participles can be used after verbs of perception in the pattern verb + object + present
participle to indicate the action being perceived. There is a difference in meaning when such a
sentence contains a zero infinitive rather than a participle. The infinitive refers to a complete
action while the present participle refers to an ongoing action.
EXAMPLES
 I heard someone singing.  I watched her painting Sarah's
 He saw his friend walking along the portrait.
road.  I couldn't hear her singing because
 I can smell something burning! of the noise.
 I watched the birds flying away.  I would like to see you
 We saw him swimming across the knitting sometime.
pond.
PRESENT PARTICIPLES AFTER VERBS OF MOVEMENT, ACTION, OR POSITION, TO
INDICATE PARALLEL ACTIVITY.
EXAMPLES
 She sat looking at the sea.  I cook listening to the radio.
 He walks reading his newspaper.  Sally lay listening to the bugs in the
grass.
PRESENT PARTICIPLES AS ADJECTIVES
EXAMPLES
 Did you read that amazing book?  Dark billowing clouds often precede
 This movie is so exciting! a storm.
 His economics class is boring.  He was trapped inside
 It was an amazing film. the burning house.
 Many of his paintings show
the setting sun.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE AFTER VERBS OF MOVEMENT & POSITION

This construction is particularly useful with the verb to go.
EXAMPLES
 She went shopping.  He lay looking up at the clouds.
 I go running every morning.  She came running towards me.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE WITH THE VERBS SPEND AND WASTE
The pattern with these verbs is
verb + time/money expression + present participle.
EXAMPLES
 My boss spends two hours a day travelling to work.
 Don't waste time playing computer games!
 They've spent the whole day shopping.
 I wasted money buying this game.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE WITH THE VERBS CATCH AND FIND

The pattern with these verbs is verb + object + present participle. With catch, the participle
always refers to an action which causes annoyance or anger. This is not the case with find, which
is unemotional.
EXAMPLES
 If I catch you stealing my apples again, there'll be trouble!
 Don't let him catch you reading his letters.
 I caught him going through my bag.
 We found some money lying on the ground.
 They found their mother sitting in the garden.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE FOR TWO ACTIONS AT THE SAME TIME
When two actions occur at the same time, and are done by the same person or thing, we can use a
present participle to describe one of them. When one action follows very quickly after another
done by the same person or thing, we can express the first action with a present participle.
EXAMPLES
 Whistling to himself, he walked down the road. = He whistled to himself as he walked down
the road.
 They went laughing out into the snow. = They laughed as they went out into the snow.
 Dropping the gun, she put her hands in the air. = She dropped the gun and put her hands in
the air.
 Putting on his coat, he left the house. = He put on his coat and left the house.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE TO EXPLAIN A REASON

The present participle can be used instead of a phrase starting with as, since, or because. In this
usage the participial phrase explains the cause or reason for an action.
EXAMPLES
 Feeling hungry, he went into the kitchen and opened the fridge.
 Being poor, he didn't spend much on clothes.
 Knowing that his mother was coming, he cleaned the flat.
 He whispered, thinking his brother was still asleep.
GERUNDS
The gerund looks exactly the same as a present participle, but it is useful to understand the
difference between the two. The gerund always has the same function as a noun (although it looks
like a verb). Some uses of the gerund are covered on this page.
A GERUND AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE
EXAMPLES
 Eating people is wrong.
 Driving too fast is dangerous.
 Walking is good for you.
 Your knitting it beautiful.
 Eating people is wrong.
 Hunting tigers is dangerous.
 Flying makes me nervous.
 Brushing your teeth is important.
 Smoking causes lung cancer.
A GERUND AFTER PREPOSITIONS
The gerund must be used when a verb comes after a preposition. This is also true of certain
expressions ending in a preposition, for example the expressions in spite of & there's no point in.
EXAMPLES
 She is good at painting.
 There's no point in waiting.
 I was the fastest at climbing the rope.
 He learns music by listening to the chords.
 We arrived in Madrid after driving all night.
 Can you sneeze without opening your mouth?
 In spite of missing the train, we arrived on time.
 My father decided against postponing his trip to Hungary.
 She avoided him by walking on the opposite side of the road.
A GERUND AFTER CERTAIN SPECIFIC VERBS
EXAMPLES
 I like cooking.  They hate milking cows.
 He enjoys walking.  I can imagine drifting away in a
balloon.
A GERUND IN COMPOUND NOUNS

In compound nouns using the gerund, it is clear that the meaning is that of a noun, not of a
continuous verb. For example, with the word "swimming pool" it is a pool for swimming in, it is
not a pool that is swimming.
EXAMPLES
 I am giving Sally a driving lesson.  My uncle does a lot of bird-
 I bought some new running shoes. watching.
 We are going to the swimming  I found this pie by dumpster-
pool. diving.
A GERUND AS THE COMPLEMENT OF THE VERB 'TO BE'
EXAMPLES
 One of his duties is attending meetings.
 The hardest thing about learning English is understanding the gerund.
 One of life's pleasures is having breakfast in bed.
A GERUND AFTER PHRASAL VERBS

Phrasal verbs are composed of a verb + preposition or adverb.
EXAMPLES
 When will you give up smoking?  He kept on asking for money.
 She always puts off going to the  Jim ended up buying a new TV
dentist. after his old one broke.
There are some phrasal verbs that include the word "to" as a preposition for example to look
forward to, to take to, to be accustomed to, to get around to, & to be used to . It is important to
recognize that the word "to" is a preposition in these cases because it must be followed by a
gerund. It is not part of the infinitive form of the verb. You can check whether "to" is a
preposition or part of the infinitive. If you can put the pronoun "it" after the word "to" and form a
meaningful sentence, then the word "to" is a preposition and must be followed by a gerund.
EXAMPLES
 I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 I look forward to it.
 I am used to waiting for buses.
 I am used to it.
 She didn't really take to studying English.
 She didn't really take to it.
 When will you get around to mowing the grass?
 When will you get around to it?
A GERUND AFTER SOME EXPRESSIONS

The gerund is necessary after the expressions can't help, can't stand, to be worth, & it's no use.
EXAMPLES
 She couldn't help falling in love with him.
 I can't stand being stuck in traffic jams.
 It's no use trying to escape.
 It might be worth phoning the station to check the time of the train.
INFINITIVES
FORMING THE INFINITIVE
The infinitive is the base form of a verb. In English, when we talk about the infinitive we are
usually referring to the present infinitive, which is the most common. There are, however, four
other forms of the infinitive: the perfect infinitive, the perfect continuous infinitive, the
continuous infinitive, & the passive infinitive.
The infinitive has two forms:

 the to-infinitive = to + base
 the zero infinitive = base
The present infinitive base is the verb form you will find in a dictionary.
Zero
To-infinitive
infinitive
to sit sit
to eat eat
to have have
to remember remember
The negative infinitive is formed by putting not in front of any form of the infinitive.
EXAMPLES
 I decided not to go to London.  I'd rather not eat meat.
 He asked me not to be late.  I might not come.
 I'd like you not to sing so loudly.
PERFECT INFINITIVE
The perfect infinitive is most commonly found in type 3 conditional sentences as part of the
conditional perfect, although it can be used in other places as well. The perfect infinitive is
formed:
to have + past participle
As with the present infinitive, there are situations where the zero form of the perfect infinitive is
required, so the word to is omitted. This happens after most modal auxiliaries, and in other places
where zero infinitives are used.
EXAMPLES
 He pretended to have seen the film.
 Before I turn 40, I want to have written a book.
 I would like to have been to the Taj Mahal when I was in India.
 Someone must have broken the window and climbed in.
 That man may have noticed the bank robbers' getaway car.
TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL
FORM
In a Type 3 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the
main clause is the perfect conditional or the perfect continuous conditional.

perfect conditional or perfect continuous
If + past perfect
conditional
If this thing had happened that thing would have happened.
identical.
EXAMPLES
 If it had rained, you would have gotten wet.
 You would have gotten wet if it had rained.
 You would have passed your exam if you had worked harder.
 If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.
 I would have believed you if you hadn't lied to me before.
 If you hadn't lied to me before, I would have believed you.
FUNCTION
The type 3 conditional refers to an impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the
past. These sentences are truly hypothetical and unreal, because it is now too late for the
condition or its result to exist. There is always some implication of regret with type 3 conditional
sentences. The reality is the opposite of, or contrary to, what the sentence expresses. In type 3
conditional sentences, the time is the past and the situation is hypothetical.
EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I would have passed the exam.
(But I didn't work hard, and I didn't pass the exam.)
(But I didn't know and I didn't bake a cake.)
 I would have been happy if you had called me on my birthday.
(But you didn't call me and I am not happy.)
EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I might have passed the exam.
 You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.
 If he called you, you could go.
 If you bought my school supplies for me, I might be able to go to the park.
CONTRACTIONS
Both would and had can be contracted to 'd, which can be confusing if you are not confident
with type 3 conditional sentences. Remember 2 rules:
1. would never appears in the if-clause
so if 'd appears in the if clause, it must be abbreviating had.
2. had never appears before have
so if 'd appears on a pronoun just before have, it must be abbreviating would.
EXAMPLES
 If I'd known you were in hospital, I'd have visited you.
 If I had known you were in hospital, I would have visited you.
 I'd have bought you a present if I'd known it was your birthday.
 I would have bought you a present if I had known it was your birthday.
 If you'd given me your e-mail, I'd have written to you.
 If you had given me your e-mail, I would have written to you.
THE PERFECT CONDITIONAL TENSE

The perfect conditional of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + have + past participle

Have followed by the past participle is used in other constructions as well. it is called the "perfect
infinitive".
+ + +
S
w pas
u
o h t
bj
u a par
ec
l v tici
t
d e ple
w
h
o
H a gon
u
e v e
l
e
d
w
h
T o
a sta
he u
v yed
y l
e
d
TO GO: PERFECT CONDITIONAL
Interrogative
Negative
I would have I wouldn't have Would I have Wouldn't I have
gone gone gone? gone?
You would You wouldn't Would you Wouldn't you
He would He wouldn't have Would he have Wouldn't he have
have gone gone gone? gone?
She would She wouldn't Would she Wouldn't she
We would We wouldn't Would we have Wouldn't we
have gone have gone gone? have gone?
They would They wouldn't Would they Wouldn't they
PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL

FORM
In type 3 conditional sentences, the perfect form of the present conditional may be used.

If + past perfect perfect continuous conditional
If this thing had happened that thing would have been happening.
FUNCTION
The perfect continuous conditional can be used in type 3 conditional sentences. It refers to the
unfulfilled result of the action in the if-clause, and expresses this result as an unfinished or
continuous action.
EXAMPLES
 If the weather had been better (but it wasn't), I'd have been sitting in the garden when he
arrived (but I wasn't).
 If she hadn't got a job in London (but she did), she would have been working in Paris (but she
wasn't).
 If I had had a ball I would have been playing football.
 If I had known it was dangerous I wouldn't have been climbing that cliff.
THE PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL TENSE

The perfect continuous conditional tense of any verb is composed of four elements:
would + have + been + present participle

Subjec + + + + present
t would have been participle
He would have been staying
They would have been going
TO WORK: PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONDITIONAL
I would have been living I wouldn't have been living
You would have been living You wouldn't have been living
He would have been living He wouldn't have been living
She would have been living She wouldn't have been living
We would have been living We wouldn't have been living
They would have been living They wouldn't have been living
Interrogative Interrogative Negative

Would I have been living? Wouldn't I have been living?
Would you have been living? Wouldn't you have been living?
Would he have been living? Wouldn't he have been living?
Would she have been living? Wouldn't she have been living?
Would we have been living? Wouldn't we have been living?
Would they have been Wouldn't they have been
living? living?
PERFECT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

The perfect continuous infinitive is used to express a continuing but now completed action after a
verb which must be followed by the infinitive. The perfect infinitive is formed:
to have been + present participle
As with the present infinitive, there are situations where the zero form of the perfect continuous
infinitive is required, so the word to is omitted. This happens after most modal auxiliaries, and in
other places where zero infinitives are used.
EXAMPLES
 The woman seemed to have been crying.
 He pretended to have been painting all day.
 I would have preferred to have been sleeping all afternoon.
 You must have been waiting for hours!
 They might have been talking before you came in.
 You should have been studying for your test.
CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE
The continuous infinitive is used to express a continuing action after a verb or auxiliary which
must be followed by the infinitive. The continuous infinitive is formed:
to be + present participle
As with the present infinitive, there are situations where the zero form of the continuous infinitive
is required, so the word to is omitted. This happens after most modal auxiliaries, and in other
places where zero infinitives are used.
EXAMPLES
 I'd really like to be swimming in a nice cool pool right now.
 I happened to be waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
 It must be nice to be going to a wedding overseas.
 You must be joking!
 We should be hurrying. We're late!
 You'd better be working on your report when I get there.
PASSIVE INFINITIVE
The passive infinitive is used in some constructions using the passive voice. It is particularly
common after auxiliary verbs (may, should, could, etc.) to indicate what is possible or what is
correct. The passive infinitive is formed:
to be + past participle
As with the present infinitive, there are situations where the zero form of the passive infinitive is
required, so the word to is omitted. This happens after most modal auxiliaries, and in other places
where zero infinitives are used.
EXAMPLES
 I am expecting to be given a pay-rise next month.
 She is hoping to be elected president.
 The carpet needs to be washed.
 These doors should be shut at night.
 This window may be opened but that one must stay closed.
 Alice could be given a prize for her artwork.
FUNCTIONS OF THE TO-INFINITIVE

The to-infinitive is used in many sentence constructions, often expressing the purpose of
something or someone's opinion about something. The to-infinitive is used following a large
collection of different verbs as well. See this page about verbs followed by infinitives.
THE TO-INFINITIVE TO INDICATE THE PURPOSE OR INTENTION OF AN ACTION
In this case to has the same meaning as in order to or so as to.
EXAMPLES
 She came to collect her pay cheque.
 The three bears went to find firewood.
 I am calling to ask you about dad.
 You sister has gone to finish her homework.
THE TO-INFINITIVE AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE

This is a formal usage and is far more common in written English than spoken
EXAMPLES
 To know her is to love her.
 To be or not to be, that is the question.
 To understand statistics, that is our aim.
 To visit the Grand Canyon is my life-long dream.
THE TO-INFINITIVE TO INDICATE WHAT SOMETHING CAN OR WILL BE USED FOR

In this pattern, the to-infinitive follows a noun or pronoun.
EXAMPLES
 The children need a garden to play in.
 I would like a sandwich to eat.
 I don't have anything to wear.
 Would you like something to drink?
THE TO-INFINITIVE AFTER ADJECTIVES

There is a common pattern using the to-infinitive with an adjective. These phrases are formed:
subject + to be + adjective + (for/of someone) + to-infinitive + (rest of sentence)
+ (+ (+ rest
+ + to-
Subje to for/of of
adjectiv infiniti
ct b someon sentenc
e ve
e e) e)
It is good to talk.
It is good of you to talk to me.
importa to be
It is
nt patient.
with his
importa to be
It is for Jake little
nt patient
brother.
a
I happy to be here.
m
The to our
is naughty
dog destroy couch.
THE TO-INFINITIVE TO MAKE A COMMENT OR JUDGEMENT
To use the to-infinitive when making a comment or judgment about a noun, the pattern is:
Subject + to be + noun phrase + to-infinitive
+ to + to-
Subject + noun phrase
be infinitive
It was a stupid place to park.
That is a dangerous way to behave.
What you
was a rude thing to say.
said
This is the right thing to do.
the wrong kind of
Those were to buy.
eggs
Jim is the best person to hire.
THE TO-INFINITIVE WITH ADVERBS

The to-infinitive is used frequently with the adverbs too and enough to express the reasoning
behind our satisfaction or in satisfaction. The pattern is that too and enough are placed before or
after the adjective, adverb, or noun that they modify in the same way they would be without the
to-infinitive. We then follow them by the to-infinitive to explain the reason why the quantity is
excessive, sufficient, or insufficient. Normally the to-infinitive and everything that follows can be
removed, leaving a sentence that still functions grammatically.
EXAMPLES
 There's too much sugar to put in this bowl.
 I had too many books to carry.
 This soup is too hot to eat.
 She was too tired to work.
 He arrived too late to see the actors.
 I've had enough food to eat.
 She's old enough to make up her own mind.
 There isn't enough snow to ski on.
 You're not old enough to have grand-children!
THE TO-INFINITIVE WITH QUESTION WORDS

The verbs ask, decide, explain, forget, know, show, tell, & understand can be followed by a
question word such as where, how, what, who, & when + the to-infinitive.
EXAMPLES
 She asked me how to use the washing machine.
 Do you understand what to do?
 Tell me when to press the button.
 I've forgotten where to put this little screw.
 I'm not sure I know who to call.
FUNCTIONS OF THE ZERO INFINITIVE
THE ZERO INFINITIVE AFTER AUXILIARIES
EXAMPLES
 She can't speak to you.  Would you like a cup of coffee?
 He should give her some money.  I might stay another night in the
 Shall I talk to him? hotel.
 They must leave before 10.00 a.m.
THE ZERO INFINITIVE AFTER VERBS OF PERCEPTION

With verbs of perception, the pattern is verb + object + zero infinitive.
EXAMPLES
 He saw her fall from the cliff.  They saw us walk toward the lake.
 We heard them close the door.  She felt the spider crawl up her
leg.
THE ZERO INFINITIVE AFTER THE VERBS 'MAKE' AND 'LET'
EXAMPLES
 Her parents let her stay out late.
 Let's go to the cinema tonight.
 You made me come with you.
 Don't make me study that boring grammar book!
THE ZERO INFINITIVE AFTER THE EXPRESSION 'HAD BETTER'
EXAMPLES
 We had better take some warm clothing.
 She had better ask him not to come.
 We had better reserve a room in the hotel.
 You'd better give me your address.
 They had better work harder on their homework.
THE ZERO INFINITIVE WITH "WHY"

The question word why is followed by the zero infinitive when making suggestions.
EXAMPLES
 Why wait until tomorrow?  Why walk when we can go in the
 Why not ask him now? car?
 Why leave before the end of the  Why not buy a new bed?
game?
VERBS FOLLOWED BY INFINITIVES

Many different verbs are followed, or can be followed, by a second verb in the infinitive. All of
the verbs listed on this page are followed by a to-infinitive when the infinitive is used. Verbs
marked with an asterix can also be followed by a that-clause, as shown in the examples. Verbs
marked with two asterix can only be followed by a that-clause when the subject of the primary
verb is "it".
VERBS FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE
app arra
aff agree ai bothe
ear* nge care
ord * m r
* *
cond co de deter end
clai deci
escen nse ma mine eav
m* de*
d nt nd* * or
hav
ha e (=
guara pp hast be hesit hop
fail
ntee* en en obli ate e*
* ged
)
ma pre pro
lear offe prete
long na par cee
n r nd*
ge e d
pro
pro res ve see
prop refu
mis olv (= seek m*
ose se
e* e* turn *
out)
thre vol
stri swea ten trou unde
aten unt
ve r* d ble rtake
* eer
vo

w*
EXAMPLES
 I hope to see you next week.  He claimed that she was an expert.
 I hope that I'll see you next week.  I managed to reach the top of the
 He claimed to be an expert. hill.
 Would you care to swim?
EXAMPLES
 It appeared that no-one had locked  It seems that she is running late.
the door.  She seems to be running late.
 He appeared to be lost.
VERBS FOLLOWED BY A NOUN + THE INFINITIVE
ap com
accu assi cau chall
aid po mand
stom st se enge
int *
emp enco
dire dri ena entic
defy owe urag
ct* ve ble e
r e
imp
entitl entr for incit induc
get lore
e eat ce e e
*
inst in
inspi war oblig order
ruct vit lead
re n* e *
* e
pr
pers pro rem
pre o requi stimu
uade vok ind
ss m re* late
* e *
pt
leave
sum tea tel tem trus
(= make someone
mon ch l pt t*
responsible)
EXAMPLES
 The professor challenged his students to argue with his theory.
 This law empowers the government to charge higher taxes.
 You can't force me to do something I don't agree with.
 I invited the new student to have dinner with me.
 What inspired you to write this poem?
VERBS WITHOUT A NOUN BEFORE A THAT-CLAUSE

When certain verbs are followed by a that-clause, there is no noun before the that clause even
though there is a noun before the infinitive. This is the case for the verbs command, direct,
entreat, implore, order, require, & trust.
EXAMPLES
 I trust you to tell the truth.  I trust that you are telling the truth.
 The general commanded his men to surrender.
 The general commanded that his men surrender.
VERBS WITH A NOUN BEFORE A THAT-CLAUSE
Other verbs, when followed by a that-clause require a noun before the that-clause, just as before
the infinitive. This is the case for the verbs persuade & remind.
EXAMPLES
 You can't persuade people to buy small cars.
 You can't persuade people that small cars are better.
 He reminded me to take my notebook to school.
 He reminded me that I would need my notebook.
VERBS WITH AN OPTIONAL NOUN BEFORE A THAT-CLAUSE

A final group of verbs when followed by a that-clause take an optional noun before the that
clause. This is the case for the verbs instruct, teach, & warn.
EXAMPLES
 She taught her students to appreciate poetry.
 She taught her students that poetry was valuable.
 She taught that poetry was valuable.
VERBS FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE OR A NOUN + THE INFINITIVE
beg desire
ask* choose dare elect
* *
mean*
expect wish
help (=intend request* want
* *
)
EXAMPLES
 I asked him to show me the book.  We expect you to do your best in
 I asked to see the book. the exam.
 She helped me to put away the  We expect to do well on our exams.
dishes.  Do you want to go to the beach?
 She helped to put away the dishes.  Do you want me to go with you to
the beach?
USING TO DARE
In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible as long as the
subject of both verbs is the same, though it is more common to omit the 'to'. If the subject of the
two verbs is different, you must include to.
EXAMPLES
 I never dared tell him what  Would you dare (to) jump out of a
happened. plane?
 Do you dare tell him?  I dare you to tell him the truth.
 She dared me to jump off the wall.
PASSIVE VOICE
FUNCTIONS OF THE PASSIVE VOICE
The passive voice is used to show interest in the person or object that experiences an action rather
than the person or object that performs the action. In other words, the most important thing or
person becomes the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLES
 The passive voice is used frequently.
(= we are interested in the passive voice, not in who uses it.)
 The house was built in 1654.
(= we are interested in the house, not in who built it.)
 The road is being repaired.
(= we are interested in the road, not in the people who are doing the repairs.)
Sometimes we use the passive voice because we don't know or do not want to express who
performed the action.
EXAMPLES
 I noticed that a window had been left open.
 Every year thousands of people are killed on our roads.
 All the cookies have been eaten.
 My car has been stolen!
The passive voice is often used in formal texts. Switching to the active voice will make your
writing clearer and easier to read.
Passive Active
A great deal of meaning is conveyed by a A few well-chosen words convey a great
few well-chosen words. deal of meaning.
Our planet is wrapped in a mass of gases. A mass of gases wrap around our planet.
Waste materials are disposed of in a The city disposes of waste materials in a
variety of ways. variety of ways.
If we want to say who or what performs the action while using the passive voice, we use the
preposition by. When we know who performed the action and are interested in him, it is always
better to switch to the active voice instead.
Passive Active
"A Hard Day's Night" was written by the The Beatles wrote "A Hard Day's
Beatles. Night".
The movie ET was directed by Spielberg. Spielberg directed the movie ET.
This house was built by my father. My father built this house.
Read more about the passive voice and active equivalents for all English verb tenses.
FORMING THE PASSIVE VOICE
The passive voice in English is composed of two elements:
the appropriate form of the verb 'to be' + past participle
The house was built in These houses were built in

Affirmative
1899. 1899.
The house wasn't built These houses weren't built
Negative
in 1899. in 1899.
Was the house built in Were these houses built in
Interrogative
1899? 1899?
Negative Wasn't the house built Weren't these houses built
Interrogative in 1899? in 1899?
TO CLEAN, PASSIVE VOICE
+ to be + past
Subject + rest of sentence
(conjugated) participle
Simple present
The
is cleaned every day.
house
Present continuous
The
is being cleaned at the moment.
house
Simple past
The
was cleaned yesterday.
house
Past continuous
The
was being cleaned last week.
house
Present perfect
The
has been cleaned since you left.
house
Past perfect
The before they
had been cleaned
house arrived.
Future
The
will be cleaned next week.
house
Future continuous
The
will be being cleaned tomorrow.
house
Present conditional
The if they had
would be cleaned
house visitors.
Past conditional
The if it had been
would have been cleaned
house dirty.
Infinitive
The
must be cleaned before we arrive.
house
PASSIVE VOICE WITH INFINITIVES
The infinitive passive voice is used after modal verbs and other most verbs normally followed by
an infinitive.
EXAMPLES
 You have to be tested on your English grammar.
 John might be promoted next year.
 She wants to be invited to the party.
 I expect to be surprised on my birthday.
 You may be disappointed.
PASSIVE VOICE WITH GERUNDS

Gerunds are used after prepositions and verbs normally followed by a gerund.
EXAMPLES
 I remember being taught to drive.
 The children are excited about being taken to the zoo.
 The children are excited to be taken to the zoo.
 Most film stars hate being interviewed.
 Most film stars hate to be interviewed.
 Poodles like to be pampered.
 Poodles like being pampered.
USING "TO BE BORN"

"To be born" is a passive form and is most commonly used in the past tense. However, in some
cases, the present or future tense is appropriate.
EXAMPLES
 I was born in 1976.
 Where were you born?
 Around 100 babies are born in this hospital every week.
 We don't know on exactly which day the baby will be born.
Sometimes the passive is formed using the verb to get or to have instead of the verb to be. A
separate page deals with these alternative ways to form the passive voice.
PASSIVE VOICE TO ACTIVE VOICE

Sentences written in the active voice are easier to understand than sentences written in the passive
voice. Switching the passive voice into the active voice is straightforward, but it requires a bit of
practice. In the equivalency table below, notice that the tense of the verb to be in the passive
voice is always the same as the tense of the main verb in the active voice. In order to use the
active voice, you will have to make the subject of the action explicit.
TO KEEP, ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICES
A or P
Tense A/P A or P sentence
voice
Active keep I keep the butter in the fridge.
Simple present Passiv The butter is kept in the
is kept
e fridge.
John is keeping my house
Active is keeping
Present tidy.
continuous Passiv is being
My house is being kept tidy.
e kept
Mary kept her schedule
Active kept
meticulously.
Simple past
Passiv Mary's schedule was kept
was kept
e meticulously.
was The theater was keeping a
Active
Past keeping seat for you.
continuous Passiv was being A seat was being kept for
e kept you.
I have kept all your old
Active have kept
letters.
Present perfect
Passiv have been All your old letters have been
e kept kept.
He had kept up his training
Active had kept
regimen for a month.
Past perfect
Passiv had been His training regimen had
e kept been kept up for a month.
Active will keep Mark will keep the focus.
Simple Future Passiv will be
The focus will be kept.
e kept
would If you told me, I would keep
Active
Conditional keep your secret.
Present Passiv would be If you told me, your secret
e kept would be kept.
I would have kept your
would
Active bicycle here if you had left it
have kept
Conditional with me.
Past would Your bicycle would have
Passiv
have been been kept here if you had left
e
kept it with me.
Active to keep She wants to keep the book.
Present
Infinitive Passiv
to be kept The book wants to be kept.
e
to have Judy was happy to have kept
Active
Perfect kept the puppy.
Infinitive Passiv to have The puppy was happy to have
e been kept been kept.
Present Active keeping I have a feeling that you may
Participle & be keeping a secret.
Passiv I have a feeling that a secret
Gerund being kept
e may be being kept.
Having kept the bird in a
having cage for so long, Jade wasn't
Active
kept sure it could survive in the
Perfect
wild.
Participle
The bird, having been kept in
Passiv having
a cage for so long, might not
e been kept
survive in the wild.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO FORM THE PASSIVE VOICE

You can form sentences that are passive in meaning but not in form by using the verb to get or
the verb to have in place of the verb to be. These constructions often describe situations where we
want someone else to do something for us or where we are going to hire someone else to do
something for us. The subject is active, but he is only doing the "getting". It is the unnamed
person who is gotten who will perform the action of the main verb in the sentence. That second
person is not explicit in the sentence when the sentence has a passive meaning. We are more
interested in the result of the activity than in the person that performs the activity.
EXAMPLES
 I must get my hair cut.
 I must have my hair cut.
 When are you going to get that window mended?
 We're having the house painted.
This type of construction can refer to the completion of an activity, especially if a time expression
is used.
EXAMPLES
 We'll get the work done as soon as possible.
 I'll get those letters typed before lunchtime.
 She said she'd have my lunch delivered by noon.
 You should have your roof repaired before next winter.
If the verb refers to something unwanted, it has the same meaning as a passive sentence.
EXAMPLES
 Jim had his car stolen last night.  They had their roof blown off in
 Jim's car was stolen. the storm.
 Their roof was blown off in the
storm.
USING "TO NEED" IN PASSIVE CONSTRUCTIONS

You can also use the verb to need followed by the gerund in an active construction with a passive
meaning. The important thing in our minds in these sentences is the person or thing that will
experience the action, not the person performing the action.
EXAMPLES
 The ceiling needs painting.  My hair needs to be cut.
 The ceiling needs to be painted.  That faucet needs fixing.
 My hair needs cutting.  That faucet needs to be fixed.
THE VERB TO GET

TO GET can be used in a number of patterns and has a number of meanings.
TO GET + DIRECT OBJECT = TO OBTAIN, TO RECEIVE, TO BUY

 I got my passport last week. (to obtain)
 She got her driving license last week. (to obtain)
 They got permission to live in Switzerland. (to obtain)
 I got a letter from my friend in Nigeria. (to receive)
 He gets $1,000 a year from his father. (to receive)
 She got a new coat from Zappaloni in Rome. (to buy)
 We got a new television for the sitting room. (to buy)
TO GET + PLACE EXPRESSION = REACH, ARRIVE AT A PLACE

 How are you getting home tonight?  What time will we get there?
 We got to London around 6 p.m.
 When did you get back from New
York?
TO GET + ADJECTIVE = BECOME, SHOW A CHANGE OF STATE

 I am getting old.
 It's getting hotter.
 By the time they reached the house they were getting hungry.
 I'm getting tired of all this nonsense.
 My mother's getting old and needs looking after.
 It gets dark very early in the winter.
 Don't touch the stove until is gets cool.
TO GET + PREPOSITION/ADVERB = PHRASAL VERBS WITH VARIOUS MEANINGS
TO GET + Meaning
Meanin
try to express
g
to get at
Exampl
I think I see what you're getting at. I agree.
e
Meanin
escape punishment for a crime or bad action
to get away g
with Exampl I can't believe you got away with cheating on that
e test!
Meanin
manage (financially)
g
to get by
Exampl
Sam doesn't earn much, but we get by.
e
Meanin
depress, descend
g
to get down
Exampl
This rain is really getting me down.
e
Meanin
leave a form of transport (train, bus, bicycle, plane)
g
to get off
Exampl
We got off the train just before the bomb exploded.
e
Meanin 1. enter/sit on a form of transport (train, bus,
g bicycle, plane)
Exampl
1. He got on his bicycle and rode down the street.
e
to get on
Meanin
2. have a relationship with someone
g
Exampl
2. Amy and I really get on well.
e
Meanin
to proceed
to get on g
with Exampl I have so much homework, I'd better get on
e with it.
to get out of Meanin avoid doing something, especially a duty
g
Exampl She got out of the washing-up every day, even
e when it was her turn.
Meanin
recover (from an illness, a surprise)
g
to get over
Exampl
Have you gotten over your cold yet?
e
Meanin
use or finish the supply of something
to get g
through Exampl We've got through all the sugar. Can you buy
e some more?
Meanin
leave your bed
g
to get up
Exampl
He gets up at 6.00 a.m. every morning.
e
Meanin
do - usually something bad
g
to get up to
Exampl The children are very quiet. I wonder what
e they're getting up to.
OTHER EXPRESSIONS WITH GET
 Do you get it means do you understand.
Do you get what the teacher was explaining in class?
 He's getting dinner tonight means he's preparing the meal.
You can relax. It's my turn to get dinner tonight.
 I'll get the bill means I'll pay.
Put your wallet away! I'll get the bill.
 That really gets me! means that irritates me.
It really gets me when my sister shows up late.
 To get rid of something means to throw it away.
I'm going to get rid of all these old newspapers.
 To get out of bed on the wrong side means to be in a bad mood.
He got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning and he's been horrible all day.
 To get your own back means to have your revenge or punish someone.
She's getting her own back for all those rude things you said at the party last night.

English Grammar - Verbs

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English Grammar - Verbs

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VERBS

PRESENT TENSES IN ENGLISH

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Be careful! The simple present is not used to express actions happening now.

NOTES ON THE SIMPLE PRESENT, THIRD PERSON SINGULAR

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

EXAMPLES: TO GO, PRESENT CONTINUOUS

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS IS USED:

BE CAREFUL! Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form

VERBS THAT ARE NOT USUALLY USED IN THE CONTINUOUS FORM

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

PRESENT PERFECT WITH EVER, NEVER, ALREADY, YET

IN NEGATIVE STATEMENTS USING THE PATTERN NOTHING+EVER OR

WITH 'THE FIRST TIME'

BE CAREFUL! You must not use never and not together

I haven't never been to Italy.

FOR + A PERIOD OF TIME

SINCE + A POINT IN TIME

PRESENT PERFECT WITH FOR

PRESENT PERFECT WITH SINCE

THE PRESENT PERFECT IS USED TO DESCRIBE

ACTIONS STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUING IN THE PRESENT

1. They haven't lived here for years.

WHEN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO HAS NOT FINISHED

1. I have worked hard this week.

1. They have seen that film six times

ACTIONS COMPLETED IN THE VERY RECENT PAST (+JUST)

1. Have you just finished work?

1. Someone has eaten my soup!

PRESENT PERFECT VS. SIMPLE PAST

Present perfect Simple past

I have lived in Lyon. I lived in Lyon in 1989.

They have eaten Thai They ate Thai food last

We have been to Ireland. When did you go to Ireland?

1. "What did you do at school today?"

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Affirmative: She has been / She's been running.

EXAMPLE: PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS, TO LIVE

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

I have been living I haven't been living Have I been living?

He, she, it has been

We have been living We haven't been living Have we been living?

They haven't been Have they been

FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

ACTIONS THAT STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUE IN THE PRESENT

VERBS WITHOUT CONTINUOUS FORMS

1. I've wanted to visit China for years.

 Simple Past for actions starting and ending in the past.

SIMPLE PAST TENSE

 John Cabot sailed to America in  He lived in Fiji in 1976.

FORMING THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

NOTES ON AFFIRMATIVE, NEGATIVE, & INTERROGATIVE FORMS

NEGATIVE AND INTERROGATIVE

SIMPLE PAST, IRREGULAR VERBS

FORMING THE PAST CONTINUOUS

TO PLAY, PAST CONTINUOUS

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

PAST PERFECT TENSE