Present and past,
Simple and progressive
Habitual Actions
1. Dan drives to school every day.
2. Pat usually walks her dog in the evenings.
3. I always work hard
General Truths
1. Most cars use gasoline for fuel.
2. Water freezes at 32F.
Actions Happening Right Now
1. The children are playing outside right now.
2. Christi is exercising at the gym.
3. We are studying now.
Extended Present Actions (which may not be happening at the
moment of speaking)
1. We are studying grammar this term.
2. Mark is training for a 100-mile bike ride this month.
She is understanding the lesson.
understand non-action NO [-ing]
She understands the lesson.
some verbs describe states NO [-ing]
See verbs on p. 15 3rd edition // p.16 4th
edition)
some verbs describe states [-ing] OK
I think it’s going to be hot this weekend.
OPINION (state)
I’m thinking about my plans for the
weekend.
ACTION
1. Bob watched TV last night.
2. The cars stopped to see the accident.
3. My parents made dinner for me.
4. The kids broke the window.
1. I forgot to do my homework last Monday.
2. My parents visited me yesterday.
3. In 1990, my sister decided to move to Italy.
the simple past tense indicate that the
action began and ended at a specific time
in the past. Action doesn’t continue.
I forgot to do my homework last Monday.
Y/N Question:
Did you forget to do your homework last Monday?
DID + SUBJECT + BASE VERB
Wh- Question:
What did you forget to do last Monday?
WH- WORD + DID + SUBJECT + BASE VERB
To describe an action that was in progress over a period of time in the past.
Happened in the past
Occurred over a period of time
REMINDER: Do not use non action/stative verb in progressive
Now
Past Future
Two actions in progress at the same time in the past
While I was talking on the phone, he was watching TV.
He was watching TV while I was talking on the phone,
Past Future
Now
was talking
was watching
An action interrupted by another action
When = simple past While = past-progressive
I was taking a shower when the phone rang. While I was taking a shower,the phone rang.
Past Future
Now
was taking a shower
phone
rang
WHEN + s. past + s. past
When I dropped my cup, the coffee spilled on
my lap.
When clause → happens first
WHEN + s. past + past prog.
When the phone rang, I was watching TV.
I was watching TV→ First action
When the phone rang → Second action
WHILE + past prog. + past prog.
My dad was texting while we were watching a
movie.
Both actions are in progress at the same time
My brother
is ALWAYS borrowing
money from me.
1. pres. prog. + expression of place
Brad is folding the laundry in the living
room.
2. pres. + expression of place + prog.
Brad is in the living room folding the
laundry .