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+--- Thread: Learn English - See Daily a New Topic (/thread-learn-english-see-daily-a-new-topic)
- shsaeed - 10-06-2007
<font size="3"><b>Simple Past</b></font id="size3">
[VERB+ed] or irregular verbs
<b>USE 1 Completed Action in the Past</b>
Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind.
Examples
I saw a movie yesterday.
I didn't see a play yesterday.
Last year, I traveled to Japan.
Last year, I didn't travel to Korea.
Did you have dinner last night?
She washed her car.
He didn't wash his car.
<b>USE 2 A Series of Completed Actions</b>
We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on.
Examples
I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim.
He arrived from the airport at 800, checked into the hotel at 900, and met the others at 1000.
Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs?
<b>USE 3 Duration in Past</b>
The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A duration is a longer action often indicated by expressions such as for two years, for five minutes, all day, all year, etc.
Examples
I lived in Brazil for two years.
Shauna studied Japanese for five years.
They sat at the beach all day.
They did not stay at the party the entire time.
We talked on the phone for thirty minutes.
A How long did you wait for them?
B We waited for one hour.
<b>USE 4 Habits in the Past</b>The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the same meaning as "used to." To make it clear that we are talking about a habit, we often add expressions such as always, often, usually, never, when I was a child, when I was younger, etc.
Examples
I studied French when I was a child.
He played the violin.
He didn't play the piano.
Did you play a musical instrument when you were a kid?
She worked at the movie theater after school.
They never went to school, they always skipped class.
<b>USE 5 Past Facts or Generalizations</b>The Simple Past can also be used to describe past facts or generalizations which are no longer true. As in USE 4 above, this use of the Simple Past is quite similar to the expression "used to."
Examples
She was shy as a child, but now she is very outgoing.
He didn't like tomatoes before.
Did you live in Texas when you were a kid?
People paid much more to make cell phone calls in the past.
<b>IMPORTANT When-Clauses Happen First</b>Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when I dropped my pen..." or "when class began..." These clauses are called when-clauses, and they are very important. The examples below contain when-clauses.
Examples
<b>When I paid her one dollar</b>, she answered my question.
She answered my question <b>when I paid her one dollar.</b>
<b>When-clauses are</b> important because they always happen first when both clauses are in the Simple Past. Both of the examples above mean the same thing first, I paid her one dollar, and then, she answered my question. It is not important whether "when I paid her one dollar" is at the beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence. However, the example below has a different meaning. First, she answered my question, and then, I paid her one dollar.
Example
I paid her one dollar when she answered my question.
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You just called Debbie.
Did you just call Debbie?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
Tom repaired the car. Active
The car was repaired by Tom. Passive
Muhammad Asim Saeed
- shsaeed - 10-06-2007
<font size="3">Past Continuous</font id="size3">
[was/were + present participle]
<b>USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past </b>
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
Examples
I was watching TV when she called.
When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
What were you doing when the earthquake started?
I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
A What were you doing when you broke your leg?
B I was snowboarding.
<b>USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption </b>
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples
Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.
<b>IMPORTANT</b>
In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
Examples
Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner.
I started eating at 6 PM.
Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
I started earlier; and at 6 PM, I was in the process of eating dinner.
<b>USE 3 Parallel Actions </b>
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples
I was studying while he was making dinner.
While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
Were you listening while he was talking?
I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes.
What were you doing while you were waiting?
Thomas wasn't working, and I wasn't working either.
They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
<b>USE 4 Atmosphere</b>
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.
Example
When I walked into the office, several people <b>were</b> busily <b>typing</b>, some were <b>talking</b> on the phones, the boss <b>was yelling</b> directions, and customers <b>were waiting</b> to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and <b>waving</b> his hands. Others <b>were complaining</b> to each other about the bad service.
<b>USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with "Always" </b>
The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples
She was always coming to class late.
He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
<b>While vs. When </b>
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses begin with "while" such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk about things in the past, "when" is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas "while" is usually followed by Past Continuous. "While" expresses the idea of "during that time." Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence.
Examples
I was studying when she called.
While I was studying, she called.
<b>REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs</b>
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 Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past.
Examples
Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct
Jane was at my house when you arrived. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You were just studying when she called.
Were you just studying when she called?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store. <b>Active</b>
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store. <b>Passive</b>
Muhammad Asim Saeed
- shsaeed - 10-07-2007
<font size="4">Past Perfect</font id="size4">
[had + past participle]
Examples
You had studied English before you moved to New York.
Had you studied English before you moved to New York?
You had not studied English before you moved to New York.
Complete List of Past Perfect Forms
<b>USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Past</b>The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.
Examples
I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.
I did not have any money because I had lost my wallet.
Tony knew Istanbul so well because he had visited the city several times.
Had Susan ever studied Thai before she moved to Thailand?
She only understood the movie because she had read the book.
Kristine had never been to an opera before last night.
We were not able to get a hotel room because we had not booked in advance.
A Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 2006?
B Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before.
<b>USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs)</b>
With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.
Examples
We had had that car for ten years before it broke down.
By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years.
They felt bad about selling the house because they had owned it for more than forty years.
Although the above use of Past 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.
<b>IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect</b>
Unlike with the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
Example
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
<u>MOREOVER</u>
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when "before" or "after" is used in the sentence. The words "before" and "after" actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct.
Examples
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
<u>HOWEVER</u>
If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional. Compare the examples below. Here Past Perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an action at a specific time. For this reason, Simple Past cannot be used.
Examples
She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct
She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You had previously studied English before you moved to New York.
Had you previously studied English before you moved to New York?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license. <b>Active</b>
Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's license. <b>Passive</b>
- shsaeed - 10-08-2007
<font size="4"><b>Past Perfect Continuous</b></font id="size4">
[had been + present participle]
<b>USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past</b>We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.
Examples
They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.
She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.
How long had you been waiting to get on the bus?
Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work.
James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia.
A How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara?
B I had not been studying Turkish very long.
<b>USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past</b>
Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.
Examples
Jason was tired because he had been jogging.
Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.
Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.
<b>Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous</b>
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday," many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples
He was tired because he was exercising so hard.
This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he was exercising at that exact moment.
He was tired because he had been exercising so hard.
This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he had been exercising over a period of time. It is possible that he was still exercising at that moment OR that he had just finished.
<b>REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs</b>
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 Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.
Examples
The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought it. Not Correct
The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.
Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris. <b>Active</b>
The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris. <b>Passive</b>
- shsaeed - 10-09-2007
<font size="4">Simple Future</font id="size4">
<b>USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action</b>
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something.
Examples
I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!
A I'm really hungry.
B I'll make some sandwiches.
A I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B I'll get you some coffee.
A The phone is ringing.
B I'll get it.
<b>USE 2 "Will" to Express a Promise</b>
"Will" is usually used in promises.
Examples
I will call you when I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
I won't tell anyone your secret.
<b>USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan</b>
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
A When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B We are going to meet at 6 PM.
I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
Who are you going to invite to the party?
A Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.
<b>USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction</b>Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In "prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples, there is no difference in meaning.
Examples
The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.
<b>IMPORTANT</b>
In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.
<b>No Future in Time Clauses</b>
Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Simple Future, Simple Present is used.
Examples
When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You will never help him.
Will you ever help him?
You are never going to meet Jane.
Are you ever going to meet Jane?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
John will finish the work by 500 PM. Active
The work will be finished by 500 PM. Passive
Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. Active
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. Passive
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-09-2007
<b>Future Continuous</b>
Future Continuous has two different forms "will be doing " and "be going to be doing." Unlike Simple Future forms, Future Continuous forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Continuous with "Will"
[will be + present participle]
Examples
You will be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Will you be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You will not be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
FORM Future Continuous with "Be Going To "
[am/is/are + going to be + present participle]
Examples
You are going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Are you going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You are not going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
REMEMBER It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Continuous with little difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Continuous Forms
<b>USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Future</b>
Use the Future Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future will be interrupted by a shorter action in the future. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
Examples
I will be watching TV when she arrives tonight.
I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.
I am going to be staying at the Madison Hotel, if anything happens and you need to contact me.
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when she arrives.
Notice in the examples above that the interruptions (marked in italics) are in Simple Present rather than Simple Future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
<b>USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption in the Future</b>
In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by a short action in the future. In addition to using short actions as interruptions, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples
Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
I will be in the process of eating dinner.
At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
We will be in the process of driving through the desert.
<b>REMEMBER</b>In the Simple Future, a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin or end. In the Future Continuous, a specific time interrupts the action.
Examples
Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to eat dinner.
I am going to start eating at 6 PM.
Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 6 PM.
<b>USE 3 Parallel Actions in the Future</b>
When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples
I am going to be studying and he is going to be making dinner.
Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
While Ellen is reading, Tim will be watching television.
Notice "is reading" because of the time clause containing "while." (See Explanation Below)
<b>USE 4 Atmosphere in the Future</b>
In English, we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere at a specific point in the future.
Example
When I arrive at the party, everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be dancing. Others are going to be talking. A few people will be eating pizza, and several people are going to be drinking beer. They always do the same thing.
<b>REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses</b>
Like all future tenses, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Future Continuous, Present Continuous is used.
Examples
While I am going to be finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. <b>Not Correct</b>
While I am finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. <b>Correct</b>
<b>AND REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs</b>
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 Future Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Future.
Examples
Jane will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct
Jane will be at my house when you arrive. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You will still be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
Will you still be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
You are still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
Are you still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
At 800 PM tonight, John will be washing the dishes. Active
At 800 PM tonight, the dishes will be being washed by John. Passive
At 800 PM tonight, John is going to be washing the dishes. Active
At 800 PM tonight, the dishes are going to be being washed by John. Passive
NOTE Passive forms of the Future Continuous are not common.
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-11-2007
<font size="4">Future Perfect</font id="size4">
Future Perfect has two different forms "will have done" and "be going to have done." Unlike Simple Future forms, Future Perfect forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Perfect with "Will"
[will have + past participle]
Examples
You will have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
Will you have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.?
You will not have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
FORM Future Perfect with "Be Going To"
[am/is/are + going to have + past participle]
Examples
You are going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
Are you going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.?
You are not going to have perfected your English by the time you come back from the U.S.
NOTE It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Perfect with little or no difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Perfect Forms
<b>USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Future</b>
The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another action in the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future.
Examples
By next November, I will have received my promotion.
By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
I am not going to have finished this test by 3 o'clock.
Will she have learned enough Chinese to communicate before she moves to Beijing?
Sam is probably going to have completed the proposal by the time he leaves this afternoon.
By the time I finish this course, I will have taken ten tests.
How many countries are you going to have visited by the time you turn 50?
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in Simple Present rather than Simple Future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
<b>USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Future (Non-Continuous Verbs)</b>
With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Future Perfect to show that something will continue up until another action in the future.
Examples
I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.
By Monday, Susan is going to have had my book for a week.
Although the above use of Future 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.
<b>REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses</b>
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Future Perfect, Present Perfect is used.
Examples
I am going to see a movie when I will have finished my homework. Not Correct
I am going to see a movie when I have finished my homework. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You will only have learned a few words.
Will you only have learned a few words?
You are only going to have learned a few words.
Are you only going to have learned a few words?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
They will have completed the project before the deadline. Active
The project will have been completed before the deadline. Passive
They are going to have completed the project before the deadline. Active
The project is going to have been completed before the deadline. Passive
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-12-2007
<font size="4">Future Perfect Continuous</font id="size4">
Future Perfect Continuous has two different forms "will have been doing " and "be going to have been doing." Unlike Simple Future forms, Future Perfect Continuous forms are usually interchangeable.
<b>FORM Future Perfect Continuous with "Will"</b>
[will have been + present participle]
Examples
You will have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
Will you have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives?
You will not have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
<b>FORM Future Perfect Continuous with "Be Going To"</b>
[am/is/are + going to have been + present participle]
Examples
You are going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
Are you going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives?
You are not going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally arrives.
<b>NOTE</b> It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Perfect Continuous with little or no difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Perfect Continuous Forms
<b>USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Future</b>
We use the Future Perfect Continuous to show that something will continue up until a particular event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Friday" are all durations which can be used with the Future Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous; however, with Future Perfect Continuous, the duration stops at or before a reference point in the future.
Examples
They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Thomas arrives.
She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally closes.
James will have been teaching at the university for more than a year by the time he leaves for Asia.
How long will you have been studying when you graduate?
We are going to have been driving for over three days straight when we get to Anchorage.
A When you finish your English course, will you have been living in New Zealand for over a year?
B No, I will not have been living here that long.
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in Simple Present rather than Simple Future. This is because these future events are in time clauses, and you cannot use future tenses in time clauses.
<b>USE 2 Cause of Something in the Future</b>
Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show cause and effect.
Examples
Jason will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging for over an hour.
Claudia's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is going to have been studying English in the United States for over two years.
Future Continuous vs. Future Perfect Continuous
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday," many English speakers choose to use the Future Continuous rather than the Future Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Future Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Future Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the future. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples
He will be tired because he will be exercising so hard.
This sentence emphasizes that he will be tired because he will be exercising at that exact moment in the future.
He will be tired because he will have been exercising so hard.
This sentence emphasizes that he will be tired because he will have been exercising for a period of time. It is possible that he will still be exercising at that moment OR that he will just have finished.
<b>REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses</b>
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Future Perfect Continuous, Present Perfect Continuous is used.
Examples
You won't get a promotion until you will have been working here as long as Tim. Not Correct
You won't get a promotion until you have been working here as long as Tim. Correct
<b>AND REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs</b>
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 Future Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Future Perfect .
Examples
Ned will have been having his driver's license for over two years. Not Correct
Ned will have had his driver's license for over two years. Correct
<b>ADVERB PLACEMENT</b>
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples
You will only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives.
Will you only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives?
You are only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives.
Are you only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives?
<b>ACTIVE / PASSIVE</b>
Examples
The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished. Active
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished. Passive
The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished. Active
The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished. Passive
NOTE Passive forms of the Future Perfect Continuous are not common.
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-14-2007
<font size="4">Articles â both definite and indefinite</font id="size4">
<b>Indefinite â a, an</b>
<b>Uses</b>
Before a singular noun which is countable when it is mentioned for the first time and represents no particular person or thing.
«A horse is a noble animal.»
Before a singular countable noun which is used as an example of a class of things.
«A book is something you read.»
With a noun complement, including names of professions.
«She is a doctor, he became a famous actor.»
In certain numerical expressions.
«a dozen, a hundred»
In expressions of price, speed, ratio.
«60 miles an hour, 4 hours a day, 30p a box»
With «few» and «little»
«a few people, a little sugar»
In exclamations before singular, countable nouns. «What a pity! What a sunny day!»
It can be placed before Mr., Mrs, Miss, Ms + surname.
«a Mr. Brown phoned today.»
<b>Not Used</b>
Before plural nouns.
«Horses are noble animals.»
Before uncountable nouns
«Milk is good for you.»
Before abstract nouns.
«Fear is natural.»
Before names of meals except when preceded by an adjective.
«We had a late breakfast and decided to miss lunch.»
<b>Definite â the</b>
<b>Uses</b>
Before nouns of which there is only one.
«The earth is round.»
Before a noun which has become definite as a result of being mentioned a second time.
«We saw a good film last night. It was the film you recommended.»
Before a noun made definite by the addition of a phrase or clause.
«The woman dressed in black.»
Before a noun which, by reason of locality, can represent only one particular thing.
«Thereâs a bee in the kitchen.»
Before superlatives and «first», «second» and «only»
«The longest river in the world.»
Before singular nouns used to represent a class of objects.
«The donkey is a very obstinate animal.»
Before an adjective used to represent a class of persons.
«That tax hurts the rich.»
Before names of seas, rivers, chains of mountains, groups of islands and plural names of countries.
«the Pacific Ocean, the Thames, the Andes, the West Indies, the Netherlands«
Before musical instruments.
«She plays the piano«
<b>Not Used</b>
Before countries, towns, proper names.
«Charlie lived in Chicago in America»
Before abstract nouns.
«Jealousy can be dangerous.»
Before parts of the body and articles of clothing â these normally prefer a possessive adjective.
«Lift your left arm.»
«He removed his hat.»
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-14-2007
<font size="4">Relative Pronoun</font id="size4">
<b>General</b>
Relative pronouns do two jobs at once
a) acting as subject or object of a verb
b) joining two clauses together
The most common are who, whom, which and that â who and whom for people and which for things.
Whom is not used much in conversation and refers to an object of a verb or a preposition.
That can often replace whom, who and which.
After nouns referring to times and places, when and where can be used to mean at which or in which and why can be used to mean for which.
Whose is a possessive relative word, referring to people and things.
<b>Particular</b>
Defining and non-defining relative clauses
Compare
«George, who lives next door, always watches television.»
«The couple who live next door always watch television.»
That
a) For people and things and in conversation.
b) After the following all, everything, something, anything, nothing, none, little, few, much.
c) After superlatives.
In defining relative clauses the relative pronoun is often left out if it is the object of the verb.
Prepositions can come before the relative pronoun or at the end of the clause but you cannot use that or who after a preposition.
In a non-defining relative clause that cannot be used and object relative pronouns cannot be left out.
Sentence Relative
Compare
«He showed me a photo that upset me.»
«He tore up the photo, which upset me.»
Relative and infinitive
«He was unhappy unless he had someone with whom to argue.»
Whose can refer to people or things and can be the subject of a clause, the object of a verb or the object of a preposition.
Instead of whose, of which can be used.
What
Compare
«I gave her the money that she needed.»
«I gave her what she wanted.»
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-14-2007
<font size="4">Phrasal Verb</font id="size4">
Account (1)
Account for
- To explain
Ache (1)
Ache for
- Want something or someone a lot
Act (3)
Act on
- To take action because of something like information received
Act out
- Perform something with actions and gestures.
- Express an emotion in your behaviour
Act up
- Behave badly or strangely
Add (3)
Add on
- Include in a calculation
Add up
- To make a mathematical total
- Be a satisfactory explanantion for something
Add up to
- Have a certain result
Aim (1)
Aim at
- To target
Allow (1)
Allow for
- Include something in a plan or calculation
Angle (1)
Angle for
- Try to get something indirectly, by hinting or suggesting
Answer (2)
Answer back
- To reply rudely to someone in authority
Answer for
- Be held responsible for a problem
- Speak on behalf of someone or from knowing them
Argue (1)
Argue out
- Argue about a problem to find a solution
Ask (7)
Ask after
- Enquire about someone's health, how life is going
Ask around
- Ask a number of people for information of help
- Invite someone
Ask for
- To provoke a negative reaction
Ask in
- To invite somebody into your house
Ask out
- To invite someone for a date
Ask over
- Invite
Ask round
- Invite someone
Auction (1)
Auction off
- Sell something in an auction
Muhammad Asim Saeed Sheikh
- shsaeed - 10-18-2007
<font size="4">Phrasal Verbs</font id="size4">
Back (6)
Back away
- Retreat or go backwards
Back down
- Retract or withdraw your position or proposal in an argument
Back off
- Retreat
Back out
- Fail to keep an arrangement or promise
Back out of
- Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement
Back up
- Make a copy of computer data
- Support
Bag (1)
Bag out
- Criticise
Bail (3)
Bail out
- Save, rescue
- Remove water from something that is flooded
- Jump out of a plane because it is going to crash
Bail out on
- Stop supporting someone when they are in trouble
Bail up
- Talk to someone and delay them
- Rob someone at gunpoint
Ball (1)
Ball up
- Confuse or make things complicated
- Roll or form into a round shape
Balls (1)
Balls up
- Spoil, ruin
Bang (5)
Bang about
- Move in a place making a lot of noise
Bang around
- Move in a place making a lot of noise
Bang on about
- Keep talking about something
Bang out
- Play a musical instrument loudly
Bang up
- Put someone in prison
- Damage badly
- shsaeed - 10-19-2007
Bank (1)
Bank on
- Count or rely on
Barge (2)
Barge in
- Enter a place and interrupt
Barge into
- Enter a place and interrupt people rudely
Bash (4)
Bash about
- Mistreat physically
Bash in
- Break, damage or injure by hitting
Bash out
- Write something quickly without much preparation
Bash up
- Break, damage or hurt by hitting
Bawl (1)
Bawl out
- Scold, shout at someone
- Scold
- Sing or shout unpleasantly loudly
Be (22)
Be after
- Try to find or get
Be along
- Arrive
Be away
- Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc.
Be cut up
- Be upset
Be down
- Be depressed
- Be reduced or less
Be down with
- Be ill
Be fed up
- Be bored, upset or sick of something
Be in
- Be at home or at work
- Be submitted, arrive
Be in on
- Be involved in
Be not on
- Be unacceptable
Be off
- Be bad (of food)
- Depart, leave
Be on
- Be functioning (of machines)
- Take place
- Take medication or drugs, especially when they affect the person badly
Be on about
- Mean, try to say
Be onto
- Pursue, be aware of someone's true nature
Be out
- Be absent from a place
Be out of
- Have no more left
Be out to
- Attempt
Be snowed under
- Have too much work
Be taken aback
- Be shocked or surprised
Be taken with
- Like something
Be up
- Be out of bed
- Have increased or risen
- When the time for something finishes or expires
Be up to
- Be good enough
- Doing something naughty or wrong
- shsaeed - 10-20-2007
Bear (6)
Bear down on
- Move towards
Bear on
- Influence, affect
Bear out
- Confirm that something is correct
- Confirm that something is correct
Bear up
- Resist pressure
Bear up under
- Cope with something difficult or stressful
Bear with
- Be patient
Beat (2)
Beat down
- Strong sunshine
Beat up
- Attack violently
Beaver (2)
Beaver away
- Work hard
Beaver away at
- Work hard doing something
Bed (2)
Bed down
- Sleep somewhere less comfortable than normal
- Become established or successful over time
Bed out
- Move a plant outside
Beef (1)
Beef up
- Make something stronger or more solid
Belt (2)
Belt out
- Sing something loudly
Belt up
- Be quiet
- Fasten your seatbelt
- shsaeed - 10-21-2007
Bend (3)
Bend down
- Lower the top half of your body
Bend over
- Lower the top part of your body
Bend over backwards
- Do a lot to try to help or please someone
Black (1)
Black out
- Fall unconscious
- Lose light
Blank (1)
Blank out
- Censor text so that words cannot be read
- Have a temporary memory failure
Blare (1)
Blare out
- A loud sound or music
Blast (1)
Blast off
- Leave the ground- spaceship or rocket
Blaze (1)
Blaze away
- Fire a gun repeatedly
Bliss (1)
Bliss out
- Be extremely relaxed and happy
Block (4)
Block in
- Park a car and obstruct another car
- Shade or fill in
Block off
- Obstruct an exit to prevent people from leaving
Block out
- Stop light from entering or leaving
- Try not think about or feel something because it is upsetting or painful
Block up
- Fill a space so that nothing can pass