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from: English Page
Showing posts with label English Page. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English Page. Show all posts
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Can
Can
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ability
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. opportunity
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. permission
Can you hand me the stapler? request
Any child can grow up to be president. possibility
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use: can general ability
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can speak Chinese.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I
finish my course.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't speak Swahili.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I couldn't speak Swahili.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak Swahili.
You can also use: be able to
can ability during a specific event
Positive Forms
(present) 1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able
to lift the car off the child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift the car.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up something that heavy.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even three men working together won't be able to lift
the car.
You can also use: be able to
can opportunity
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I have some free time. I can help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I had some free time yesterday. I was able to
help her at that time.
(future) 3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help
her at that time.
(future) 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.
You can also use: be able to
can permission
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I was allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
You can also use: may
can request
Positive Forms
(present) Can I have a glass of water?
(past) Can you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
Negative Forms
(present) Can't I have a glass of water?
(past) Can't you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
You can also use: could, may
can possibility, impossibility
Positive Forms
(present) Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the right people.
(past) Learning a language can be a real challenge.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
Negative Forms
(present) It can't cost more than a dollar or two.
(past) You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
You can also use: could
from: English Page
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ability
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. opportunity
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. permission
Can you hand me the stapler? request
Any child can grow up to be president. possibility
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use: can general ability
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can speak Chinese.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I
finish my course.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't speak Swahili.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I couldn't speak Swahili.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak Swahili.
You can also use: be able to
can ability during a specific event
Positive Forms
(present) 1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able
to lift the car off the child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift the car.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up something that heavy.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even three men working together won't be able to lift
the car.
You can also use: be able to
can opportunity
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I have some free time. I can help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I had some free time yesterday. I was able to
help her at that time.
(future) 3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help
her at that time.
(future) 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.
You can also use: be able to
can permission
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I was allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
You can also use: may
can request
Positive Forms
(present) Can I have a glass of water?
(past) Can you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
Negative Forms
(present) Can't I have a glass of water?
(past) Can't you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
You can also use: could, may
can possibility, impossibility
Positive Forms
(present) Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the right people.
(past) Learning a language can be a real challenge.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
Negative Forms
(present) It can't cost more than a dollar or two.
(past) You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
You can also use: could
from: English Page
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Present Continuous 1-2
Present Continuous
FORM
[am/is/are + present participle]
Examples:
You are watching TV.
Are you watching TV?
You are not watching TV.
Complete List of Present Continuous Forms
USE 1 Now
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:
You are learning English now.
You are not swimming now.
Are you sleeping?
I am sitting.
I am not standing.
Is he sitting or standing?
They are reading their books.
They are not watching television.
What are you doing?
Why aren't you doing your homework?
USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not studying to become a dentist.
I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
I am not reading any books right now.
Are you working on any special projects at work?
Aren't you teaching at the university now?
USE 3 Near Future
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
I am meeting some friends after work.
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
Isn't he coming with us tonight?
USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
She is always coming to class late.
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
I don't like them because they are always complaining.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You are still watching TV.
Are you still watching TV?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active
Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Present Conditionals
Present Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
I read if there is nothing on TV.
A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
IMPORTANT
If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I regularly have days off from work.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I rarely have days off from work.
Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.
EXCEPTION
If I were ...
In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:
If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)
IMPORTANT
Only use "If"Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."
Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct
from: ENGLISH PAGE
FORM
[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
I read if there is nothing on TV.
A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
IMPORTANT
If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I regularly have days off from work.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I rarely have days off from work.
Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.
EXCEPTION
If I were ...
In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:
If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)
IMPORTANT
Only use "If"Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."
Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct
from: ENGLISH PAGE
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Present Perfect Continuous
FORM
[has/have + been + present participle]
Examples:
You have been waiting here for two hours.
Have you been waiting here for two hours?
You have not been waiting here for two hours.
Complete List of Present Perfect Continuous Forms
USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.
Examples:
They have been talking for the last hour.
She has been working at that company for three years.
What have you been doing for the last 30 minutes?
James has been teaching at the university since June.
We have been waiting here for over two hours!
Why has Nancy not been taking her medicine for the last three days?
USE 2
Recently, Lately
You can also use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for two weeks." Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use the words "lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning.
Examples:
Recently, I have been feeling really tired.
She has been watching too much television lately.
Have you been exercising lately?
Mary has been feeling a little depressed.
Lisa has not been practicing her English.
What have you been doing?
IMPORTANT
Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?" can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Present Perfect.
Examples:
Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct
Sam has had his car for two years. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You have only been waiting here for one hour.
Have you only been waiting here for one hour?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Recently, John has been doing the work. Active
Recently, the work has been being done by John. Passive
NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is less commonly used in its passive form.
from: ENGLISH PAGE
[has/have + been + present participle]
Examples:
You have been waiting here for two hours.
Have you been waiting here for two hours?
You have not been waiting here for two hours.
Complete List of Present Perfect Continuous Forms
USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.
Examples:
They have been talking for the last hour.
She has been working at that company for three years.
What have you been doing for the last 30 minutes?
James has been teaching at the university since June.
We have been waiting here for over two hours!
Why has Nancy not been taking her medicine for the last three days?
USE 2
Recently, Lately
You can also use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for two weeks." Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use the words "lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning.
Examples:
Recently, I have been feeling really tired.
She has been watching too much television lately.
Have you been exercising lately?
Mary has been feeling a little depressed.
Lisa has not been practicing her English.
What have you been doing?
IMPORTANT
Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?" can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Present Perfect.
Examples:
Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct
Sam has had his car for two years. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You have only been waiting here for one hour.
Have you only been waiting here for one hour?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Recently, John has been doing the work. Active
Recently, the work has been being done by John. Passive
NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is less commonly used in its passive form.
from: ENGLISH PAGE
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Present Perfect
FORM
[has/have + past participle]
Examples:
You have seen that movie many times.
Have you seen that movie many times?
You have not seen that movie many times.
Complete List of Present Perfect Forms
USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now
Examples:
Have you been to Mexico in the last year?
I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
They have had three tests in the last week.
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for three different companies so far.
My car has broken down three times this week.
NOTICE
"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year before now, and it is considered a specific time which requires Simple Past. "In the last year" means from 365 days ago until now. It is not considered a specific time, so it requires Present Perfect.
Examples:
I went to Mexico last year.I went to Mexico in the calendar year before this one.
I have been to Mexico in the last year.I have been to Mexico at least once at some point between 365 days ago and now.
USE 2
Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Present Perfect to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect.
Examples:
I have had a cold for two weeks.
She has been in England for six months.
Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.
Although the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You have only seen that movie one time.
Have you only seen that movie one time?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Many tourists have visited that castle. Active
That castle has been visited by many tourists. Passive
from: ENGLISH PAGE
[has/have + past participle]
Examples:
You have seen that movie many times.
Have you seen that movie many times?
You have not seen that movie many times.
Complete List of Present Perfect Forms
USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now
We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.
Examples:
I have seen that movie twenty times.
I think I have met him once before.
There have been many earthquakes in California.
People have traveled to the Moon.
People have not traveled to Mars.
Have you read the book yet?
Nobody has ever climbed that mountain.
A: Has there ever been a war in the United States?B: Yes, there has been a war in the United States.
How Do You Actually Use the Present Perfect?
The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to associate Present Perfect with the following topics:
TOPIC 1 Experience
You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience. The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.
Examples:
I have been to France.This sentence means that you have had the experience of being in France. Maybe you have been there once, or several times.
I have been to France three times.You can add the number of times at the end of the sentence.
I have never been to France.This sentence means that you have not had the experience of going to France.
I think I have seen that movie before.
He has never traveled by train.
Joan has studied two foreign languages.
A: Have you ever met him?B: No, I have not met him.
TOPIC 2 Change Over Time
We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.
Examples:
You have grown since the last time I saw you.
The government has become more interested in arts education.
Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the Asian studies program was established.
My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.
TOPIC 3
Accomplishments
We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.
Examples:
Man has walked on the Moon.
Our son has learned how to read.
Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.
Scientists have split the atom.
TOPIC 4
An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting
We often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has not happened. Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen.
Examples:
James has not finished his homework yet.
Susan hasn't mastered Japanese, but she can communicate.
Bill has still not arrived.
The rain hasn't stopped.
TOPIC 5
Multiple Actions at Different Times
We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are possible.
Examples:
The army has attacked that city five times.
I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.
We have had many major problems while working on this project.
She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows why she is sick.
Time Expressions with Present Perfect
When we use the Present Perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.
Examples:
Have you been to Mexico in the last year?
I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
They have had three tests in the last week.
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for three different companies so far.
My car has broken down three times this week.
NOTICE
"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year before now, and it is considered a specific time which requires Simple Past. "In the last year" means from 365 days ago until now. It is not considered a specific time, so it requires Present Perfect.
Examples:
I went to Mexico last year.I went to Mexico in the calendar year before this one.
I have been to Mexico in the last year.I have been to Mexico at least once at some point between 365 days ago and now.
USE 2
Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Present Perfect to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect.
Examples:
I have had a cold for two weeks.
She has been in England for six months.
Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.
Although the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You have only seen that movie one time.
Have you only seen that movie one time?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Many tourists have visited that castle. Active
That castle has been visited by many tourists. Passive
from: ENGLISH PAGE
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Verb Tense Exercise 1: Simple Present / Present Continuous
from: English Page
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses.
1. Every Monday, Sally (drive)______________ her kids to football practice.
2. Usually, I (work)________________ as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study) _____________French at a language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.
3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) _______________________.
4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It _______________(rain) .
5. I hate living in Seattle because it _____________________(rain, always) .
6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you ________________(say) because everybody _______________ (talk) so loudly.
7. Justin (write, currently) a book about his adventures in Tibet. I hope he can find a good publisher when he is finished.
8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?
Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I ___________(go) to a movie tonight with some friends.
9. The business cards _____________(be, normally ) printed by a company in New York. Their prices __________(be) inexpensive, yet the quality of their work is quite good.
10. This delicious chocolate _____________ (be) made by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland.
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses.
1. Every Monday, Sally (drive)______________ her kids to football practice.
2. Usually, I (work)________________ as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study) _____________French at a language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.
3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) _______________________.
4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It _______________(rain) .
5. I hate living in Seattle because it _____________________(rain, always) .
6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you ________________(say) because everybody _______________ (talk) so loudly.
7. Justin (write, currently) a book about his adventures in Tibet. I hope he can find a good publisher when he is finished.
8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?
Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I ___________(go) to a movie tonight with some friends.
9. The business cards _____________(be, normally ) printed by a company in New York. Their prices __________(be) inexpensive, yet the quality of their work is quite good.
10. This delicious chocolate _____________ (be) made by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland.
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