Short Answers – Past Tense

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In English, it is possible to ask questions using the past tense. When answering these questions, you have the option of replying with long answers or short answers.[1]https://www.grammar.cl/Past/Short_Answers.htm

Short Answers

short answers

Certain questions in English allow you to respond back with a short answer.

Did

You can respond with a short answer for questions that begin with the word “Did”.

For example:

  • Did you eat dinner yet? Yes, I did / No, I didn’t.
  • Did she study for the exam? Yes, she did / No, she didn’t.
  • Did he park the car? Yes, he did / No, he didn’t.

Was/Were

You can respond with a short answer for questions that begin with the words “Was” or “Were”.

For example:

  • Was she there? Yes, she was / No, she wasn’t.
  • Were they coming? Yes, there were / No, there weren’t.
  • Was it busy? Yes, it was. No, she wasn’t.

Long Answers

Not all questions in English allow you to respond back with a short answer.

Questions that begin with the question words who, where, when, why, what, which, or how often require more detailed explanations.

For example:

  • Who are you? I am Fred.
  • Where are you from? I am from the United States.
  • Why are you studying French? I am studying French because I want to visit Paris.
  • What are you doing? I am reading a book.
  • Which book are you reading? I am reading Harry Potter.
  • How often do you work out? I work out 3 times a week.

References[+]

Modal Verbs of Deduction – Must/Can’t/May (not) & Might (not)

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In English, there are several modal verbs of deduction. They allow us to guess if something is true based on the information available. Four very important ones to know are must, can’t, may (not), and might (not).[1]https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/intermediate-to-upper-intermediate/modals-deductions-about-the-present

modal verbs of deduction

Must

You use the word “must” when you are 100% (or nearly) positive that something is true.[2]https://smitkit10-11.weebly.com/deduction.html

For example:

  • You must be tired after that workout. (I am very sure that you are tired)
  • I don’t have my phone. It must be on my desk. (I am sure that the phone is on my desk)
  • She must study for the test if she wants to do well. (I am very sure that if she wants to pass the test it is required that she study)

May (not) & Might (not)

You use the words “may (not)” or “might (not)” if you are 50% sure of a fact.

For example:

  • They are not here yet. They might be stuck in track. (I am not exactly sure why they aren’t here)
  • Frank may be able to help us with the problem. (There is a 50% chance that Frank can help)
  • The airline told us that the flight might be delayed due to weather. (There is a 50% chance that the flight gets delayed due to weather)

Difference between Might and May

May is used for situations that could be factual or could be possible.

Might is used for speculative situations that didn’t actually happen.[3]https://writingexplained.org/may-vs-might-difference

Can’t

You use the word “can’t” when you are 100% (or nearly) sure that something is false.[4]https://www.test-english.com/explanation/b1/modal-verbs-deduction-must-might-cant/

For example:

  • Sorry, I can’t do that. It’s against the law. (I am 100% unable to do the task)
  • You can’t stay in the house while they paint it. The fumes are toxic. (You are 100% not allowed to be in the house)
  • I can’t drive today. I just had an eye test and can’t see. (Due to the eye test, I am 100% unable to drive)

Example Exercises

 13%

Question 1 of 8

1. It _____ rain tomorrow.

Question 1 of 8

Question 2 of 8

2. I have been extremely tired at work lately. I _____ be working too hard.

Question 2 of 8

Question 3 of 8

3. You _____ be a great student. You are always getting good grades.

Question 3 of 8

Question 4 of 8

4. Why did they give him the promotion over her? He has only been here a month! He _____ know more than her about how the company works.

Question 4 of 8

Question 5 of 8

5. That is an expensive gift! Your fiancée _____ be rich!

Question 5 of 8

Question 6 of 8

6. You seem too know a lot about that subject. You _____ really enjoy reading about it.

Question 6 of 8

Question 7 of 8

7. I _____ not be able to make the party. I think my boss is going to make me stay late at work.

Question 7 of 8

Question 8 of 8

8. Do you know where my wallet is? It _____ be in the house because I remember paying for lunch today.

Question 8 of 8


 

References[+]

Embedded Questions

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Embedded questions are questions that appear inside another statement or question.[1]https://esllibrary.com/blog/embedded-questions

This can be confusing for many English learners because of the usual sentence pattern in English.

Sentence Patterns

embedded questions

Normally in English a question follows the (Question Word)-Auxiliary Verb-Subject-Main Verb pattern.

For example:

  • What did you do yesterday?
  • Where are we going to go for dinner?
  • Did you swim last night?

However, embedded questions do not follow the inverted pattern. Instead, they follow the Subject-Verb pattern of a statement. These sentences end with a question mark.

For example:

  • Do you know when we start the test?
  • Do you think your mom will bake a cake for your birthday?
  • Could you tell me when you plan on arriving?

You can also find imbedded questions in phrases that don’t end with a question mark.

For example:

  • I wonder whether the test is today.
  • I asked if I could help with the assignment.
  • Let’s ask them if they like horror movies.

Usage of Embedded Questions

So why do we used embedded questions rather than the usual inverted question format?

Be Polite

You can use an embedded question to be more polite.

For example:

  • Inverted Question: Where is the restroom?
  • Imbedded Question: Can you tell me where the restroom is?

Give Additional Information

You can use an embedded question to add additional information. This usually helps express intent.

For example:

  • Inverted Question: Will he call me?
  • Imbedded Question: I wonder if he will call me. (this expresses the intent of curiosity)

Change from Direct to Indirect Speech

You can use an embedded question to change direct speech to indirect speech.

For example:

  • Inverted Question: What did you do yesterday?
  • Imbedded Question: She asked me what I did yesterday.

References[+]

Present Perfect Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous

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The present perfect continuous and the past perfect continuous are quite similar. However, the main difference between the two is that the present perfect continuous refers to time in the present while the past perfect continuous refers to time in the past.[1]https://englishstudypage.com/grammar/differences-between-present-perfect-continuous-tense-and-past-perfect-continuous-tense/

Before we go into the differences between these two verb tenses, it is important to understand them separately.

Present Perfect Continuous

present perfect continuous

Usage of the Present Perfect Continuous

The present perfect continuous is an action that started in the past and continuous up to the present. It may be just finishing now or still continuing.

Actions started in the past and continuing till now

You can use the present perfect continuous verb tense to describe long actions that started in the past and continue till the present.

For example:

  • She has been living in California for 7 years.
  • We have been going to the same beach for summer my whole life.
  • Frank has been studying for the test all week.

Recent actions that have results now

You can use this verb tense to talk about recent actions that have clear results in the present.

For example:

  • He is late for the meeting because he has been talking with his friends and forgot the time.
  • Susie’s muscles are sore because she has been working out all day yesterday.
  • We are tired because we have being studying all evening.

Temporary situations

You can use this verb tense to talk about temporary situations.

For example:

  • Have you been studying?
  • Have they been playing all day?
  • Has Susie been preparing for the exam?

If you would like to learn more, check out the Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

Past Perfect Continuous

past perfect continuous

Usage of the Past Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous is an action that continued for a period of time in the past.

Past actions that continued for a period of time before another action

You can use the past perfect continuous verb tense to express an action it the past that took place for a period of time before another action in the past.

For example:

  • We had been studying for the exam when the teacher sent an email saying it was canceled.
  • They had been playing outside when the weather got worse.
  • Susie had been playing video games when her mother told her to come down for dinner.

Duration of an action in the past

You can use the past perfect continuous tense to express the duration of an action in the past that comes before something else.

For example:

  • I really needed this vacation because I had been working really hard at work for the last 3 months.
  • They really needed a break because they had been working for 8 hours straight.
  • We really needed to sit down because we had been standing up all day long.

Cause of something in the past

You can use the past perfect continuous to express the cause for something in the past.

For example:

  • I was hungry because I had been working out.
  • Susie was tired because she had been driving.
  • We were thirsty because we had been jogging.

Differences Between the Two Tenses

As you can see, the present perfect continuous and past perfect continuous both describe event that start in the past.

The main difference is

The present perfect continuous relates the present (right now)

And

The past perfect continuous relates only to the past

past perfect continuous

Example Exercises

Complete the following sentences with either the present perfect continuous or the past perfect continuous verb tense.

Please go to Present Perfect Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous to view this quiz

References[+]

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

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In English, there are many different verb tense that you can use to talk about the past. It can be very difficult to understand the differences. For example, the past simple and the present perfect both describe events in the past.[1]https://7esl.com/past-simple-and-present-perfect/ However, what is the difference between the past simple vs the present perfect?

The past simple describes finished time

And

The present perfect describes unfinished time.

past simple vs. present perfect

Differences between the past simple vs. present perfect

The differences between these two verb tense are slight; however, they can drastically change the meaning of a sentence.

Finished vs. Unfinished Time

The past simple expresses finished time.

For example:

  • I lived in France from 2012 to 2016.

Note: In this sentence, the subject used to live in France, but doesn’t live there anymore.

However, the present perfect describes unfinished time.

For example:

  • I have lived in France since 2012.

Note: In this sentence, the subject started living in France in 2012 and still lives there to this day.

Definite vs Indefinite Time

The past simple refers to definite time.

For example:

  • I went on vacation to Mexico last summer.

Note: In this sentence, the subject went on vacation at a specific time (last summer).

However, the present perfect describes indefinite time.

For example:

  • I have visited Mexico for vacation before.

Note: In the sentence, the subject visited Mexico; however, we don’t know when or how many times.

Series of Finished Actions vs. Experiences/Results

The past simple is used to talk about a series of finished actions in the past.

For example:

  • I finished my homework, and then I played video games.

Note: The first completed action was finishing the homework. After that was finished, the subject played video games.

However, the present perfect talks about experiences or results.

For example:

  • I have already finished my homework.

Note: In this sentence, the result is that the homework is already done.

Example Exercises

Write the correct verb tense for each sentence.

Please go to Past Simple vs. Present Perfect to view this quiz

References[+]

Present Perfect Continuous

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The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe events that started in the past and continue to the present.[1]https://7esl.com/present-perfect-continuous-tense/

present perfect continuous

Usage of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Actions that started in the past and continue to the present

You can use the verb tense to talk about actions that you started in the past and continue to do until the present.

For example:

  • I have been living in France for about 4 years.
  • Susie has been studying English for 2 years.
  • We have been driving for 10 hours!

Recent actions in the past that have results now

You can use the verb tense to talk about actions that you recently did that clearly have results in the present.

For example:

  • I am tired because I have been studying all night for the final exam.
  • She is sick because she has not been looking after her health.
  • Frank can’t come because he has not been paying attention to the time.

Short temporary situations

You can use the the verb tense to describe shorter situations.

For example:

  • Have you been studying for the English exam this week?
  • We have been cooking all day.
  • He has been studying for the exam all week.

Example Exercises

Complete each sentence with the present perfect continuous verb tense.

Please go to Present Perfect Continuous to view this quiz

References[+]

Past Perfect Tense

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The past perfect tense is used to describe events in the past that were completed before a particular point in the past.[1]https://7esl.com/past-perfect-tense/

past perfect tense

When to Use the Past Perfect Tense

A Finished Event Before Another Event in the Past

You can use the past perfect verb tense to describe a finished event in the past that happened before another event in the past.

For example:

  • I had left before they arrived.
  • They plane had taken off before we arrived at the gate.
  • She had paid the bill for the meal before I had a chance to.

An Event in the Past Before a Specific Time in the Past

You can use the past perfect verb tense to talk about an even in the past that takes place before a specific time in the past.

For example:

  • Susie had never been to Paris before this summer.
  • They had eaten dinner before 7pm.
  • We had never seen the movie before last night.

Cause and Effect

You can use the past perfect tense to describe cause and effect. In this case, you must use it with the past simple verb tense.

For example:

  • I didn’t turn in my homework because the dog had eaten it.
  • I was late to work because there had been an accident on the road.
  • She did well on the test because she had studied all weekend for it.

Emphasize the Result of a Past Event

You can use the past perfect to put emphasis on past events.

For example:

  • They had called us 5 times on the phone by the time we answered it.
  • I had interviewed with the company 3 times before I got the job.
  • She had taken the driving test 2 times before she passed the test.

Example Exercises

Please go to Past Perfect Tense to view this quiz

References[+]

Past Continuous Tense Pt. 2

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The past continuous tense is used to describe actions in the past and continue for a period in the past.[1]https://7esl.com/past-continuous-tense/

past continuous tense

Past Continuous Tense Usage

Parallel Actions in the Past

You can use the past continuous to describe parallel actions happening in the past.

For example:

  • While I was working out, I received a phone call.
  • While they were cleaning the bathroom, I was cleaning the kitchen.
  • While Susie was studying, Frank was watching TV.

Describe what someone was doing in the past

You can use the past continuous verb tense to describe what someone was doing at a particular time in the past.

For example:

  • They were working in the office yesterday.
  • We were studying for the final exam all weekend.
  • Elizabeth was eating dinner last night at 7pm.

Interrupted Actions in the Past

You can use the past continuous verb conjugation to talk about interrupted actions in the past.

For example:

  • I was driving when I received the bad news.
  • I was working on the project when they told me it was canceled.
  • We were eating dinner when the phone rang.

Repetition in the Past

You can use the past continuous to talk about repetitions and irritations in the past.

For example:

  • They were always talking in class.
  • We were always complaining to the teacher.
  • I was always forgetting to do my homework.

Example Exercises

Use the words to write a sentence in the past continuous tense.

Please go to Past Continuous Tense Pt. 2 to view this quiz

References[+]

Future Continuous Tense

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The future continuous tense is a verb tense that talks about something that will happen in the future for a period of time.[1]https://7esl.com/future-continuous-tense/

future continuous tense

Future Continuous Tense Usage

Interrupted Future Actions

You can use the future continuous verb tense to describe future actions that will be interrupted.

For example:

  • When they get her next week, we will be cleaning the house.
  • By the time Susie arrives this afternoon, we will be preparing lunch.
  • When we arrive in the USA, we will be taking a road trip.

Actions in Progress at a Specific Time in the Future

You can use the future continuous tense to describe actions that you are in the process of doing at specific times in the future.

For example:

  • At 6 pm tonight, we will be having Christmas dinner.
  • In January, he will be starting a new workout regime.
  • Tomorrow, they will be visiting us.

Current Actions that will Continue in the Future

You can use the future continuous to talk about things that you are in the process of doing right now and plan to continue doing in the future.

For example:

  • Don’t worry, we will still be playing video games by the time you get back.
  • They will be studying all day.
  • We will be learning about that subject all year in class.

To Politely Ask About the Future

You can use the future continuous tense to ask polite questions about the future.

For example:

  • Will you be helping us with the cleaning?
  • Will they be coming to the party with us?
  • Will she be cleaning the dishes?

Emphasize Future Intentions and Plans

You can use the future continuous verb tense to talk about future intentions and plans.

For example:

  • I will be going to Europe this summer.
  • They will be visiting us next month.
  • Frank will be helping us tomorrow with the move.

Describe the Atmosphere in the Future

You can use the future continuous to describe the situation and atmosphere of a situation in the future.

For example:

  • When we get to the library, everybody will be studying for finals.
  • When Susie gets here, we will all be hiding in anticipation to surprise her for her birthday.
  • When they get here, we will be celebrating graduation from university.

Parallel Actions in the Future

You can use the future continuous verb tense to describe parallel actions or a series of parallel actions happening in the future.

For example:

  • I will be studying, and she will be playing video games.
  • They will be trying to sleep, and the baby will be crying tonight.
  • I will be cleaning the living room, and she will be cleaning the kitchen.

Example Exercises

Use the words to write a sentence in the future continuous tense.

Please go to Future Continuous Tense to view this quiz

References[+]

2nd and 3rd Conditionals

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In English, conditionals help us describe something that might have or might happen. Similar to the Zero and 1st conditionals, we need to know what verb tenses to use with the 2nd and 3rd conditionals.[1]https://www.test-english.com/explanation/b2/first-second-third-conditionals/

3rd Conditionals

2nd Conditional

The 2nd conditional is used to describe hypothetical situations in the present or future.

If + past simple or past continuous verb + would/could/might + infinitive/be –ing

For example:

  • If I studied, I would not be taking the retest right now. Too bad.
  • If it was raining, the crops would be growing.
  • If she hadn’t talked to me, I might not be talking with you right now.

When the conditional clause comes after the main phrase you don’t need to use a comma.

For example:

  • I would not be taking the retest right now if I studied.
  • The crops would be growing if it was raining.
  • I might not be talking with you right now if she hadn’t talked to me.

3rd Conditional

The 3rd conditionals are used to describe hypothetical situations in the past.

If + past perfect + would/could/might + have + past participle

For example:

  • Too bad, if you had helped us, we would have finished on time.
  • If I had studied, I would have passed the test.
  • If you had been nicer, I would have helped you.

When the conditional clause comes after the main phrase you don’t need to use a comma.

For example:

  • We would have finished on time if you had helped us.
  • I would have passed the test if I had studied.
  • I would have helped you if you had been nicer.

Example Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct conjugations of the 2nd or 3rd conditionals.

Please go to 2nd and 3rd Conditionals to view this quiz

References[+]