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 .