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PRESENT SIMPLE TENSE

1) generic present : used to describe situations that are regarded as permanently true/likely to
go on indefinitely:

Snow never falls in the tropical forest.

It takes one hour to reach Lancaster from Manchester.
Leaves cover the ground in autumn.

2) habitual present: used to describe habits or events that happen on a regular basis – also
called ‘iterative’ present since it is used with ‘frequency’ adverbs such as often, seldom,
sometimes, always, never, generally, occasionally or ‘each’ and ‘every’ adverbial phrases
(each month, every other day)

I always take sugar in my coffee.

Each summer we go to Portugal.
Every month Bill visits his doctor for a physical.
Each year environmentalists protest again the slaughtering of baby seals.

BUT: We can use either Present Simple or Present Progressive to describe smth that we regularly
do at a particular time. Compare
We usually watch the news at 9 (= we start watching at 9)
We are usually watching the news at 9 (= we are already watching at 9)

3) performative present: used with verbs that perform the very action they designate :
I appoint you chairman (appointing smb)
I bet you 100 $ he won’t apologise (making a bet)
I sentence you to 25 years of imprisonment. (passing a sentence)
I baptize this child John (baptizing)

Other performative Vs: accept, acknowledge, advise, apologise, assume, congratulate, deny,
guarantee, hope, inform, predict, promise, recommend, suggest, suppose, warn.

4) reportive present: used in descriptions accompanying reports of recent or ongoing events:

a) 'Midmorning' takes a closer look at the issues at stake in this presidential election. Kerri Miller
delves into education. Both candidates have made promises for K-12 students, but how far will
they go? President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry have different approaches to
education policy. Kerry says Bush is not calling for enough spending. Bush says Kerry's can't pay
for his plan. (10/06/2004)

- sports reporting
Smith gets the ball from Baker and scores.

-demonstrations
I now chop the onions and stir-fry them with the mushrooms. I add a pinch of salt
- instructions
We make sure that we click save then we go to ‘spelling and grammar' to check our errors, then
we save again and finally we shut down the computer.
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5) ‘historic’ or ‘dramatic’ present: used to give the flavour of immediacy to past events (real or
fictitious) or to recount ‘funny’ stories/jokes

I get out of the bus and find myself in that bad neighbourhood (real event, colloquial register)
When Hamlet meets his father’s ghost, he learns the truth about his uncle Claudius (fictitious
event)

6) Present Simple with stative Vs: the use of Present Simple is generally preferred to the use of
the Present Continuous with Vs describing states: agree, assume, believe, belong to, contain,
cost, disagree, feel, hate, have, hope, know, like, look, love, own, prefer, realise, regret, resemble,
smell, taste.

BUT: the Present Progressive can be used with some such Vs if we intend to point out that the
situation is temporary:
I consider him a moron (this is my opinion) vs.
I’m considering quitting this job (I’m weighing the pros and cons right now)
The kids love playing with your pets (they love it whenever such playing takes place)
The kids are loving playing with your pets (they are playing with your pets now and are having a
good time)

Little difference in meaning with Vs describing a temporary state: ache, hurt, feel, look (=seem)
You don’t look healthy to me/ aren’t looking healthy to me.

BUT : Some Vs have a stative meaning that differs from the active meaning. Compare:

Jack is childish Jack is being childish.

Deirdre has a two-storey mansion. Deirdre is having a shower/dinner.
I think about you as a good friend. I’m thinking about getting a new boyfriend.
The stew tastes delicious. The cook is tasting the stew.
I feel there’s more to it than you confess. I’m feeling dizzy.
The sack weighs 10 lbs. The doctors are weighing the newborn baby.
It all depends on the grant. His family are depending on him.

Other uses of Present Simple:

- announcements:
The Bon Jovi concert starts at 8.
- headlines:
Bush Wins Elections

- stage directions, film scripts:

The Highlander grabs his sword. He brandishes it over his enemy’s head.

- definitions and explanations

Teacher to pupils: You take an apple and cut it into two. You have two halves. Then you cut each
half into two. You have a quarter.

- spoken statements introduced by I gather, I hear, I see, I understand, I reckon, meant to

introduce newly heard items of news:

I hear Bush's IQ is the lowest in the history of American presidents.

I gather Britney's second marriage is as much of a fake as her first.
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PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE

Progressive forms: - represent (series of) actions or events at some point(s) between their
beginning and their end,
- they look at the internal structure of the action/event, how it progresses
without having been completed
- indicate that the duration of the (series of) actions/events is limited.

Present Progressive indicates:

1) an activity in progress at the very moment of speech:
I’m writing my essay and struggling with the formulation of my arguments.
2) a temporary activity, regarded as meant to be carried on over a limited span of time,
I’m cutting on sweets and bread as I’m trying to get into my new mini skirt.
3) a temporary arrangement (an activity that has been accepted as habitual over a limited span
of time)
We’re eating in the kitchen during this frosty winter.

1), 2) and 3) indicate incomplete, temporary actions/events.

Compare:
They spend a lot of money on clothes (a remark about a more or less permanent state of affairs)
They are spending a lot of money on clothes (a temporary phenomenon, caused by temporary
needs such as trying to impress their customers or neighbours)
Banks lend money to make a profit (permanent situation)
Banks are lending money to encourage new businesses to expand (temporary arrangement)
4) repeated actions/events unfolding at or around the time of speaking:
Why are you jumping up and down?
I’m hearing nerve-shattering news these days.

5) changes, developments, tendencies/trends:

Things are getting worse for the aged.
The growing number of visitors is damaging the footpaths.
I’m beginning to realise how hard it is to be a teacher.

6) emotional overtone (irritation, annoyance, disapproval) in relation to repeated actions –

occasionally accompanied by adverbs such as always, constantly, continually, forever.
They are constantly throwing noisy parties until dawn.
You are always fidgeting with your hair before exams!
They are forever quarreling and waking up the neighbours.

STATIVE VERBS. Look through the list of common stative verbs below and classify them
into the groups suggested.
1. verbs related to the senses
2 verbs related to thinking
3 verbs related to emotional states
4. verbs related to appearance
6. others

appear believe belong to contain depend on doubt dislike feel find guess
hate have hear imagine involve
know like love mean mind
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own prefer realize regard remember

seem smell sound suppose taste
understand want

PRESENT SIMPLE & PROGRESSIVE - PRACTICE

1. Suggest a verb to complete each sentence. Use the present simple or progressive. Use to add
any words outside the space, as in ex.1
1. Even though Sarah says she’s feeling better, I think she still ... weight.
2. Frank ... stamps in his spare time. It’s his hobby.
3. The airline currently ... half-price tickets to Japan, but for one month only.
4. My mother ... all the doors and windows before she goes to bed.
5. Because of the present threat of war, the best qualified people ... the country.
6. Both ancient and recent records show that farmers ... long hours.
7. She has an important project to finish by next week, so she ... in the evenings at present.
8. Philip is an intelligent linguist. He ... six languages fluently.
9. ‘ How are you getting on with the book?” “ At the moment I .... chapter four.”
10. Dear Laura, Here we are in Switzerland again. We .... in a very comfortable small hotel.

2. Complete these texts with one of these sets of verbs, using each verb once only. Choose either
the present simple or the present progressive for all the missing verbs in each text. Use to add
any words outside the space

say/tell/do talk/threaten/negociate recommend/warn/apologise

spend/recover/find suggest/hope/promise

1. She only just recovering from the operation and is still finding it difficult to move about.
At the moment she is spending most of her time in bed.
2. What I ... is that you ... well in your job. Really! I ... you the truth.
3. I ... I’ll do everything I can to help you find a flat, although I ... that you also advertise in the
local newspaper. It can be difficult to find accommodation, but I ... it won’t be long before you’ve
got somewhere.
The fishing unions ... with their employers for a pay rise. If there is no agreement by next week,
they ... to strike and even ... about blockading ports around the country.
5. I ... for the delay in replying to your letter. To place an order for the book you require, I ... that
you telephone Mrs Jones in our sales department. I ... you, however, that delivery time is likely to
be about six weeks.

5. Complete the sentences with appropriate verbs. Use the same verb for each sentence in the pair.
Choose the present progressive if possible; if not, use the present simple
1 a It ... us a fortune at the moment to send our daughter to dance classes.
b It ... a fortune to fly first class to Japan.
2 a I ... sitting down at the end of a long day and reading a good book.
b It’s a wonderful book. I ... every moment of it.
3a We’ve always wanted a house in the country, but we ... on where it should be.
b When they agree with each other on so many important issues, I can’t understand why
they ... now on this relatively minor matter.
4 a With growing concerns about the environment, people ... to use recycled paper products.
b He doesn’t like publicity, and ... to stay firmly in the background.
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5 a ‘ Can I speak to Dorothy?’”She ... a shower. Can I take a message?’

b My brother ... three children, all girls.
6 a Although he ... three cars, all of them are extremely old.
b In the north of the country, fewer and fewer people ... the houses they live in.

6. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the words in capitals

a) Charles looks just like his father. ARE
b) The cost of excursions is part of the price of the holiday. INCLUDES
c) I am enjoying working here. FIND
d) I study hard, so I spend a lot of time in the library. MEANS
e) What are you thinking about at the moment? ON
f) Neil has the bad habit of getting in people’s way. ALWAYS
g) I am losing my voice. GOING
h) How long is that wall? DOES

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE VERSUS PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

Main uses of PPP:

- a state/action/event that started in the past and is still unfolding (usually accompanied by
since or for to indicate the period) == continuative use
I’ve been meaning to phone him since I heard the bad news.
She’s been living in Australia for over a year.

If unaccompanied by a since/for phrase, the meaning of PPP is rather resultative

It’s been snowing. Look at the thick layer!
‘You look well!' 'I’ve been doing serious workout!’
Your eyes are bloodshot? Have you been crying?

- in formulating ‘How long...’ questions or when the duration of an activity going on up to the
present moment is specified :
How long have you been waiting for me?
How long has this quarrel been going on?
I’ve been trying to get a working permit abroad for over two years.
Unemployment has been rising steadily since the black market boom.

Both PP and PPP designate a state/activity/event that started in the past and
affects/influences/bears consequences or results upon the present state of affairs. BUT: the PP
focuses on the effect of that activity/event or on the completion/achievement of a certain fact,
UNLIKE the PPP focuses on the activity or event itself, which may or may not be completed.
The guests have arrived – they’re in thew living-room.
VS The guests have been arriving starting with 6 o’clock.
I have learnt a lot of Spanish from my highschool teachers.
VS I have been learning Spanish for a few years but still have difficulties understanding native
speakers.
We have driven all the way here without a break.
VS We have been driving this old banger for 20 years now.

Difference of emphasis:
I’ve been watching this soap opera with great interest (stress on the activity, i.e.watching the
soap opera)
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I’ve watched this soap opera with great interest (stress on the result , e.g. I can tell you the names
of all protagonists, all the details in the plot, etc)

Both PP and PPP designate actions/events that have taken place repeatedly up to the present:
John has been teasing his kid brother since they were in kindergarten (or ... has teased...)
The press has been denouncing his abuses for years (or ... has denounced...)
BUT: if the number of times the activity/event was repeated is mentioned, the PP is preferred
over the PPP:
I’ve bumped into Jill 3 times this week.
He has played for Manchester United in 27 games so far.

PPP is preferred to PP when there emphasis is laid on a change undergone by a situation (a

change that is likely to extend into the future as well)
The hothouse effect has been worsening over the last decade.
Sales have been increasing lately.
If the change has brought about a significant result and emphasis is laid upon that result, the PP
tends to be used instead of the PPP:
Prices have gone up by 3 %. (in a period including the present moment)
The birth rate has decreased by 28 % since 1993.

PPF IN TIME CLAUSES

In Adverbial Clauses of Time, (introduced by when, as soon as, before, after, until, once, by the
time (that), the moment (that), future tenses ARE NOT used. Instead Present Tenses are
employed.
There is some diference in meaning between the Present Simple and the Present Perfect in Time
Clauses:
Come over and see when our guests leave (==the arrival of one set of visitors will coincide with
the leaving of the other)
Come over and see when our guests have left (the arrival of the new set will happen after the
departure of the other set)
PPF may equally indicate a causal connection between the event in the Main Clause anbd the
event/situation in the Time Clause:
You’ll feel a lot better after you’ve had some rest (= provided/if you rest)

PRACTICE:
1. Complete the sentences with the Present Perfect Progressive of an appropriate verb:
1. The situation gets increasingly alarming, and troops ... their lives to rescue people from the
floods.
2. Mary hasn’t been at work for a while. She .... her husband get over a serious illness.
3. I ..... very hard for this exam. I hope I do well.
4. Because the children are older, we .... of moving to a bigger house.
5. I ... this suitcase around me all day, and it’s really heavy.
6. For several years now, Glasgow ... citywide festivals to celebrate the cultures of other
countries. This year the focus is on Sweden.

2. Rewrite each sentence using the Present Perfect Progressive of the appropriate verb below
and for or since.
go on insist live run serve suffer

1. Henry moved to California three years ago.

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2. The project to send astronauts to Mars began in 1991.

3. Campbell began a life sentence for murder in 1992.
4. Colin James took over as head of the company six months ago.
5. Graham’s knee injury began at the US Open earlier this year.
6. Local authorities began to invest heavily in new computer systems at the beginning of the
1990s.

3. Underline the correct alternative.

1. Bullfighting is going on/has been going on in Spain for centuries.
2. I always find/have always been finding it difficult to get up on winter mornings.
3. I have been wanting/want to meet you since I saw your concert.
4. Over the last six months I’ve been learning/I’m learning how to play the flute.
5. The phone’s been ringing/phone’s ringing. Can you answer it?
6. How long have you learned/have you been learning Swahili?
7. During the last few years the company has been working/works hard to modernise its image.

4. Complete the sentences with these verbs, using the same one for each sentence in the pair.
Use the Present Perfect in one sentence and the Present Perfect Progressive in the other.
claim disappear give move stop
1. a. An important file ... from my office.
b. Plants and vegetables ... from my garden since we had new neighbours.
2. a. Dr Fletcher ... the same lecture to students for the last ten years.
b. Mr Goldman ... nearly a million pounds to the charity this year.
3. a. With their win yesterday, Italy ... into second place in the table.
b. As house prices in the cities have risen, people ... into the countryside.
4. a. For years he ... that he is related to the royal family.
b. The earthquake ... over 5000 lives.
5. a. All day, the police ... motorists to question them about the accident.
b. Good, the noise ... I can start concentrating on my work again.

5. Choose the most appropriate sentence ending:

1. I’ve swum... a. and I feel exhausted.
2. I’ve been swimming... b. thirty lengths of the pool.
3. They have asked me ... a. to visit them for ages, but I’ve never had
4. They have been asking me ... the time.
b. to join the company on a number of
occasions.
5. I have visited Vienna .... a. three or four times before.
6. I’ve been visiting Vienna.... b. since 1990 and I’ve always felt very safe
here.
7. We’ve stayed ... a. at this hotel a couple of times before.
8. We’ve been staying... b. at a small hotel near the sea.

PRESENT PERFECT VS PAST SIMPLE

PRESENT PERFECT (PF):
- experiential PPF: connection between a past action/event and a present state of affairs/state
of mind (how the completed event affects the present situation/state of mind)
I’ve washed my hands so that I can help you with the cooking.
We can/t have the meeting, because very few people have shown an interest.
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- resultative PPF : connection between some event/action that recently took place and bears
some consequence/impact upon the present:
I’ve found the letter you were looking for. Here it is.
My ceiling has fallen in and my kitchen is flooded. Come quickly!

- continuative PPF: indicates an action/event that happened in a period of time encompassing

the present/ up to the present
VS PAST SIMPLE (PS): indicates an action/event that was completed at a specific, explicitly
stated or easily inferrable past moment: (we can either specify when the action happened by
using a time adverb or assume that the hearer knows when it happened or can infer that from the
context)

She arrived at JFK Airport at 2 o’clock this morning.

Jane left just a few minutes ago.

Compare:
Science has made many major advances this century
VS Scientists made some fundamental discoveries in the 18th century.
I have thrown away all her love letters
VS I threw away my highschool yearbooks when I moved house.

When we report about a recent accomplishment (smth recently created, invented, discovered, etc)
we tend to use the PPF. When we report about an accomplishment that belongs to a more distant
past, we use the PS.
Scientists have discovered the greenhouse effect.
It is said that Hernan Cortes discovered Mexico in 1519.
Schoolchildren have invented a new way of cheating at maths.
Chinese craftsmen invented both paper and printing.

- imprecise PPF : an action/event that took place sometime in the past without the moment of
its happening being specified (ignored or regarded as insignificant)
A car engine eater has entered the Guinness book.
We have complained about the traffic before.
VS PS: an action that went on for a period of time in the past, which definitely does not include
the present moment:
When I was younger a brat I played baseball for Little League.
The Pharaohs ruled Egypt for thousands of years.

Attention!!!
When we talk about how long an existing situation has lasted (even if we don’t have a precise
length of time) we use PPF:
They’ve grown such a lot since we last saw them.
Prices have risen dramatically during the past months.
We’ve recently started to walk to school instead of taking the bus.

When we are interested in when a present situation began rather than in how long it has been
going on, we use the PS:
I started to get the pains a week ago.
VS I’ve had the pains for a week now.
When did you arrive in Britain?
VS How long have you been in Britain?
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BUT:We use PS to point out how long an action/event went on provided it has ceased to go on:
I stayed with my grandparents for six months (= I am no longer staying there)
‘He spent some time in Paris during his student’s days’.’ How long did he live there?’’

SITUATIONS WHEN BOTH PRESENT PERFECT and PAST SIMPLE CAN BE USED:

- repeated actions/events: Both PPF and PS can be used to express repeatedness of an

action/series of actions/events. The use of the PPF often suggests that the action/event might
happen again. (which can be emphasised with the aid of phrases such as so far and up to
now), while the use of the PS rather indicates that the action/event is finished and won’t
happen again.
Timson has made 13 films and I think her latest is the best
VS Timson made 13 films before she was tragically killed in a car accident.
Lee has represented his country at the Olympics and hopes to participate in this year’s world
championship.
Lee represented his country at the Olympics but was forced to retire after an injury.

- states: we use the PPF to talk about a state that existed in the past and still continues to exist,
while the PS is used to designate a state that no longer exists.
I have known him most of my working life (I am still working)
VS I knew him when we were both working at the research institute.
We have belonged to the tennis club since we moved here (we still belong to it)
VS We belonged to the tennis club before our lives took their separate ways.

- news reports: events can be introduced by the PPF, then the speaker/writer switches to the
PS when inserting details:
The film star Jim Cooper has died of cancer. He was 68 and lived in Texas.
The US space shuttle Atlantis has returned safely to earth. It landed in Florida this morning.
A teacher from Oslo has become the first woman to cross the Antarctic alone. It took her 42 days
to make the crossing with her dog team...

ADVERBS WITH USED THE PRESENT PERFECT AND THE PAST SIMPLE

- Advs that connect the past to the present are often used with the PPF: just, already, since
(1999, last autumn, etc), so far, still, yet, up to the present, up to now, lately, recently.
Don’t disturb Amy. She’s just gone to sleep.
Have you seen Bob lately?
- Advs that indicated complete periods of time in the past require the use of the PS: (a month,
a year) ago, last (week, century), on (Monday (, once (at some time in the past), then,
yesterday.

She died at the age of 86, in 1964.

We met a month ago.
Last week our neighbours called the police.

BUT: before, for-phrases recently may be used with either PPF or PS:
Nothing like this has happened before.
VS Why didn’t you ask me before?
We’ve had the dishwasher for three years (= we still have it)
VS We had the car for six years (= we no longer have it)
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A new school has recently opened in New Road

VS I saw Dave recently.

- today, this morning/week/month/year can be used with ether PPF or PS. If we perceive today,
etc as a past, completed period of time, we use PS. If we perceive today, etc as a period
including the present moment, we use PPF.
I didn’t shave today (= the usual time has passed; suggestion: I am unlikely to shave today)
VS I haven’t shaved today (= today is not over yet; I may still shave later or may not)
I wrote three letters this morning (= the morning is over)
VS I’ve written three letters this morning (= it is still morning)

- since: indicates a period that started at some point in the past and continues until the present
time. It is usually used with PPF:
Since 1990 I have lived in a small house near the coast.
Tom has been ill since Christmas.
In a sentence that includes a since-clause, the main clause contains a PPF while the since-clause
in the PS:
Since Mr Hassan became president, unemployment has increased.
I haven’t been able to play tennis since I broke my arm.
BUT: PPF can be used both in the main clause and in the since-clause if the two respective
situations extend until the present moment:
Since I’ve been married to him, I’ve lost any shred of dignity.
Since we’ve lived in this mansion, I haven’t seen any neighbours.

- ever & never : PPF is used with ever/never to emphasise that the action/event refers to a
whole period of time, which also encompasses the present:
It’s one of the most magnificent views I have ever seen (= in my whole life)
I’ve never had any problems with my car (= at any time since I bought it)

BUT: PS is used with ever/never to designate a completed period in the past:

When he was young, he never bothered too much about other people’s opinions.

PRACTICE:

1. Choose a verb with either PPF or PS for the following sentences:

agree appear continue disappear move reach show solve write

1. Research ... that cycling can help patients overcome their illnesses.
2. The rabbit just ... in my garden one day last week.
3. With this promotion I feel that I ... a turning point in my career.
4. Oh no! My car .... !
5. Quite early in the negociations, they ... to lower the prices.
6. In 1788 he ... his last great work in Vienna.
7. There’s not much more to do, now that we ... the main problem.
8. Throughout the summer of 1980 Malcolm ... to divide his time between London and New
York.
9. When he was 13, his parents ... to the United States.

2. Suggest a verb that can complete both sentences in each pair. Use either PPF or PS. Use.... to
add any words outside the space:
1. a. The price of houses ... dramatically in recent years.
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b. Unemployment ... every year until 1985 and then started to fall.
2. a. At his wedding he ... a green suit and a red tie.
b. These are the glasses I ... ever since I was 30.
3. a. The company ... many setbacks in its 50-year history, but it is now flourishing.
b. Few of the trees in our village ... the storms during the winter of 1991.
4. a. This ... his home for over 20 years and he doesn’t want to leave it.
b. When I picked up the coffee I ... surprised to find that it was cold.
5. a. So far it’s been so cold that we ... in the house all day.
b. We ... with Mike and Sue last weekend.
6. a. I last ... you in Beijing three years ago.
b. I never ... anyone play so well in my whole life.

3. Choose the most appropriate tense underlined:

a) I can’t believe it, inspector. You mean that Smith stole/has stolen/has been stealing money
from the till all this time!
b) You three boys look very guilty! What did you do/have you done/have you been doing since I
left/have left the room?
c) Why on earth didn’t you tell/haven’t you told me about that stool? I tripped/have tripped over
it just now and hurt myself.
d) It’s a long time since I saw/have seen/have been seeing your brother Paul. What did he do/has
he done/has he been doing lately?
e) I can’t believe that you ate/have eaten/have been eating three pizzas already!
f) Don’t forget that you didn’t see/haven’t seen Mrs. Dawson. She has waited/has been waiting
outside since 10.30.
g) What did you think/have you thought of Brighton? Did you stay/have you stayed there long?
h) I feel really tired. I weeded/have weeded/have been weeding the garden for the last three
hours and I didn’t rest/haven’t rested for a single moment.
i) I’m having problems with David. He has called/has been calling me up in the middle of the
night and told/telling me his troubles.
j) How long did you have/have you had/have you been having driving lessons? And did you
take/have you taken/have you been taking your test yet?

4.Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same:
a) I paid this bill earlier, actually.
Actually I’ve ....
b) We haven’t been swimming for ages.
It’s ages ...
c) I am on the tenth page of the letter I am writing.
So far I ...
d) After I arrived here, I started to feel better.
Since arriving here, ....
e) There a definite improvement in your work.
Lately your work ....

5. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in capitals, and so that the meaning stays
the same:
a) The film has already started. MISSED
b) I can’t seem to stop sneezing lately BEEN
c) Paul is different from what he used to be. HAS
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d) This has been my home for thirty years HAVE

e) Eating Chinese food is new to me. BEFORE
f) Is there any news? HAPPENED
g) I bought my car in 1985 and I’m still driving it. BEEN
h) I don’t know where my keys are. HAVE
i) Sue doesn’t have her dictionary with her; it’s at home. HAS
j) Tony hasn’t been to Paris before. FIRST

6. Choose the most appropriate word/phrase underlined:

a) It’s a long time since/when I last saw you.
b) I’ve seen Bill quite often lately/from time to time.
c) Have you spoken to the director beforehand/already?
d) I’ve lived in the same house for years/for ever.
e) I’ve read the paper now/still.
f) Diana has bought a computer two years ago/since then.
g) Nothing much has been happening by now/so far.
h) I’ve finished reading her new book at last/this evening.
i) Sue bought a CD player last week and she’s been listening to music ever since/for a while.
j) Sorry, but I haven’t got that work finished already/yet.

PAST SIMPLE VERSUS PAST PROGRESSIVE

PS : a completed event in the past

PP : an action/event going on around a specific moment in the past.
A completed event might have interrupted an ongoing action/event/situation or might have
occurred while the event was in progress.
She was shaking with anger as she left the hotel.
When he realised I was staring at him, he turned away.
Erika dropped her bag while she was getting into her car.

PP : 2 past actions/events that unfolded over (more or less) the same span of time, that (partially)
overlapped:

Sally was reading to the children while Kevin was washing up.
Mario was working in a restaurant when I was living in London.
BUT PS can also express a similar meaning:
Mario worked in a restaurant while I lived in London.

PS : 2 or several past completed actions/events that unfolded successively (sometimes this

implies the first may have caused the second)
She got up when the alarm clock went off.
He jumped out of bed and ran to see who the parcel was for.

PS : a permanent or long-term past situation

When I was a child I played the violin. (NOT I was playing)
PP: a temporary past situation
I was working in a cannery during the summer of ’69. (or I worked...)
He worked hard all his life (NOT He was working...)
 13

PS : repeated actions/events in the past, or past habits; also expressable by USED TO or

WOULD
We visited Spain three times last year (NOT We were visiting...)
I went past her house every day (or used to/would go...NOT I was going...)
She slept very badly whenever she stayed with her grandparents (or ...used to sleep...; NOT
...was sleeping...)
In highschool she washed her hair every day. (Or would wash)
Attention!!! USED TO may describe both states and actions
I used to be absent-minded when I was a teenager.
I used to date a lot when I was in Paris.
while WOULD describes habitual activities, not states
He would buy me flowers whenever we had a date.
They would take their children to horror movies.

USED TO has no present equivalent (need to be paraphrased by ‘to be in the habit of +

GERUND), while WOULD has a present equivalent, WILL.
He will buy me flowers whenever we have a date.(or ... is in the habit of buying...)
They will take their children to horror movies on weekends.(or ... are in the habit of taking...)

BUT : PP can also be used to emphasise that repeated actions/events went on for only a
limited/temporary span of time:
When Carlo was in hospital, we were visiting him twice a day (or ... we visited...)
To get fit for the race, I was going to the sports centre every day (or ... I went ...)

or to indicate that the repeated actions/events provided a longer background for some other
happening:
During the time I started to get chest pains, I was playing tennis a lot.

or to express emotiponal involvement as to or a critical stance against the repeated actions in

question (emphasised by the use of frequency adverbs):
When Sarah was in school, she was always dating guys with zits.
When my cousins visited me, they were constantly trashing granny’s house down.

PP : background descriptions in narratives

She entered the room. People were drinking and smoking heavily. They were babbling around
mundane topics and all were pretending to have a good time.

PP: past changes of state, tendencies.

Things were getting worse with the patient. She was withdrawing from her peers and indulging
into self-compassion. She was having night binges and was throwing up afterwards.

PP or past form of ‘to be to’ future: unfulfiled past events, events which were planned/intended to
take place but did not.

I was going to ring you up. but I forgot.

I was thinking of going abroad this year, but I changed my mind.
I was about to invite him, but Susan stopped me.
Jack was to come to the party, but he fell ill.

PP : polite ways of inquiring, inviting, requesting.

 14

I was wondering if you could come to my class reunion.

We were wondering if you could do us the honour of being a keynote speaker at the
conference.

PRACTICE

1. Complete the sentences using the pairs of verbs below. Use the Past Simmple in one slot and
the Past Progressive in the other.
arrive/get go/get met/work look/slip wait/order
ski/break
1. Just as I ... into the bath the fire alarm ... off.
2. Helen ... her leg while she ... in Switzerland.
3. We ... when I ... in a music shop.
4. When his mother ... in the other direction Steve away quietly.
5. I ... a drink while I ... for Pam t6o arrive.
6. Our guests were early. They ... as I ... changed.

This time, use the SAME tense in both slots:

close/sit come/put not concentrate/think shut/start take/place
write/drive
7. She .... the door and ... down quickly.
8. I ...the windows as soon as it ... to rain.
9. I’m sorry, I ... I ... about Jim.
10. It was an a mazing coincidence. Just as I ... to Anne, she .... to my house to come and see me.
11. When the taxi ... I ... my suitcase on the back seat.
12. He ... the cake out of the oven and ... it carefully on the table.

2. Complete the sentences with one of these verbs : be, enjoy, have, live. Use the same verb for
each sentence in the pair. In one, you can use only the Past Simple; in the other you can use
either the Past Simple or the Past Progressive.
1. a. It was now getting late, and my eyes ... trouble focusing on the birds in the dimming light.
b. I ... trouble with that car the whole of the time I owned it.
2. a. As a historian, I’m interested in how people ... in the past.
b. During that hard winter, people ... by selling what few remaining possessions they had.
3. a. She ... very good at talking to children in a way that kept them entertained.
b. Before the party, the children got very excited and ... naughty.
4. a. He ... learning Japanese until the class had a new teacher.
b. Even when he was young, Jonathan ... learning languages.

PAST PERFECT VERSUS PAST SIMPLE

PASTPF: antecedence of a past action/event with respect to another past action/event or to a

specific moment in the past:

Jo discovered that Leslie had lied to her.

Antecedence is explicitly indicated in Time Clauses by means of the time conjunctions after, as
soon as, before, by the time, when: PASTPF is used to designate the event that happened first,
while PS is used to designate the event that happened second:
 15

After Jan (had) finished reading, he put out the light

When Carol (had) brushed her teeth, she went to bed.

BUT: to emphasise that a second event is the result of the first, the PS is used to designate both
events:
She became famous after she appeared on TV.
When the teacher came in, the children stood up.

COMPARE:

When we stopped laughing, everyone left (they left after he stopped laughing)
When he stopped laughing, everyone had left (=they left before he stopped laughing)
I got up when the phone rang. (=the phone rang and then I got up)
I had gone to bed when the phone rang (= I went to bed and then the phone rang)

PASTPF: an action intended to be performed or hoped for /desired, whose completion failed to
occur:
I had wanted to visit the gallery before I left Florence, but it’s closed on Sundays.
Bill had hoped to retire at 60, but they persuaded him to stay on for a few more years.

Verbs generally suggested expected yet unaccomplished actions include expect to, meant to, think
about (+ING)

PASTPF is preferred with adverbs such as just and already:

The film had already begun before we got to the cinema.
She had just stepped into her office when the phone rang.

In Noun/Object Clauses , after verbs such as realise, know, think, PASTPF refers to an
action/event that took place before the moment of realising, knowing, thinking about it, while PS
refers to a recurrent feature of the event/action at that time in the past.
I realised/knew/thought he had acted stupidly (=he acted before I realised...)
I realised/knew/thought he acted stupidly (most of the times)

In Adjectival (relative) Clauses, a similar distinction applies:

He apologised for any trouble he had caused
He apologsed for any trouble he caused (at any time)

PRACTICE:
1. Use these pairs of verbs to complete the sentences. Choose the Past Perfect where possible;
otherwise use the Past Simple.

turn/caught come/start eat/pick check/go type/give collapse/phone

1. After Michael ... the letter, he ... it to Kay to sign.

2. When she ... into the hall, everyone ... cheering.
3. When Jenny ... that the children were asleep, she ... out to the concert.
4. As soon as I ... the ignition key, the engine ... fire.
5. When Norma ..., I ... for an ambulance.
 16

6. After they ... all the food, they ... up their bags and left.

2. Rewrite the sentences, using the Past Tense or Past Perfect of the verbs in brackets.
1. We (get down) to business as soon as we (introduce – passive) to each other.
2. When Queen Victoria (die) in 1901, she (reign) for over 60 years.
3. Once they settle the agenda, the committee (circulate) it to all members of the society.
4. Nothing (move – passive) in the room until the police (take) photos.
5. He (refuse) to sign the agreement until after certain points (clear up – passive).
6. We all (realize) what a lucky escape we (have).
7. A friend of mine (return) to his house after a holiday to find it (break into – passive).
8. None of his teachers (understand how he (manage) to fail the exam.
9. I (write) to the suppliers asking why the goods (not arrive) yet. They reply to say that they
already (send – passive).
10. I (call) at the manager’s office, but (discover) I just (miss) him. He (go out) for lunch.

3. Rewrite the sentences using the Past tense for ONE verb in each example, and the Past
Perfect for the remaining verb(s).
1. The results last term (be) better than anyone (expect).
2. What (happen) next was just what everyone (fear).
3. We eventually (arrive) at a solution, but not the one we (envisage).
4. Not one person (agree) with him. This was something he (not anticipate).
5. Ten o’clock, and the climbers (be) already near the summit. They (make) better progress than
they ever (dare) to hope for.
6. No one (seem) to know exactly what arrangements (make – passive) for accommodation.
7. The stop-watch (say) 3 minutes, 58 seconds – he (break) the world record. He (succeed) in
doing what previously (think – passive) impossible.
8. Now (begin) the exploration of a territory that no European ever (set) foot on before.
9. The motorist (discover) to his relief that he (not take) the wrong road after all.
10. The Government (find) itself forced to adopt policies it earlier (reject).

PAST PERFECT VERSUS PAST PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

PASTPFPR: situation/activity that happened over a period UP TO a specific moment in the

past or shortly before it.

COMPARE
She had been suffering from flu when she was interviewed.
VS She had suffered from asthma when she was very young.
I’d been finishing some work in the garden and hadn’t seen Sue come home.
VS I’d finished all my work, so I had very little to do.
Bill had been saving since Christmas
VS Bill had saved enough money to buy the bike he wanted.

==PASTPFPR focuses on the continuity or duration n of a situation/event, while PASTPF stresses

the completion of a situation/action or its effects/consequences. If emphasis is on thew activity
itself, the PASTPFPR is preferred:
I’d been working hard, so I deserved a holiday (emphasis on the activity)
I’d worked hard, and the report was finished (emphasis on the result).

PASTPFPR == dealing with the duration of an activity (how long) up to a past moment of
reference, while PASTPF indicates the frequency (how many times)
 17

They had been travelling for about 36 hours (rather than They had travelled...)
We had been looking at the painting for about ten minutes before we realised who the artist was.
(rather than We had looked...)
I’d heard the symphony many times before (rather than I’d been hearing ...)
The teacher had let them get away with cheating once too often (rather than had been letting
them...)

COMPARE:
When we met Simon and Pat, they had been riding (we met them after their ride)
When we met Simon and Pat, they were riding (we met them during their ride)
When I got home, water had been leaking through the roof (It was no longer leaking when I got
home)
When I got home, water was leaking through the roof (it was leaking when I got home)

PRACTICE:

1. Complete these sentences using one of the following. Use the Past Perfect progressive (you
will need to use the verb in the negative in some cases)
pay/bills stay/friends smoke/cigar try/to steal/car attend/classes cycle/quite fast

1. She returned to the house where she ...

2. Sue .... until she reached the hill.
3. By the smell in the room and his guilty expression I could tell that Alex....
4. The principal called Carmen into his office because she ...
5. I had to give Peter some money when I found out that he ...
6. He told the police that he ... He said he thought it belonged to his brother.

2. Complete the sentences with appropriate verbs, using the same one for each sentence in the
pair. Use the Past Perfect Progressive if possible; if not, use the Past Perfect.
1.a. She took a bottle from the bag she .... all the way from home.
b. The avalanche ... them 500 metres down the mountain but no one was hurt.
2.a. We ... for visas well before our departure date, but still hadn’t heard anything by the day we
were due to leave.
b. She ... for jobs, without success, since leaving university.
3.a. He ... all the way from New York to see me.
b. When the plane was diverted, it ... from London to Frankfurt.
4.a. She ... for the same company since she qualified.
He ... finally ... his way up from the shop floor to a management.

WAYS OF EXPRESSING THE FUTURE

WILL:
predictive future (prescribes facts that are bound to happen taking into account known states-of
affairs) NOTE : SHALL and WILL mostly function as modal verbs, carrying an attitudinal
implication (promise, threat, determination, probability,etc)

I’ll be late from work tonight.

The company will make a good profit next month.
- SHALL can be used to express predictions as well, although its use is on the decrease
nowadays:
 18

I shall be forty-five next week.

He shall be sentenced for his crimes in a few days.

- assumption
That’ll be the milkman at the door.

- immediate decision
In this case, we will declare him guilty as charged.(NOTE : GOING TO expresses decisions
regarding a more distant point in the future).

BE GOING TO:
- personal plans , intentions or predictions (already entertained/devised at the moment of
speech)
I’m going to wait for the doctor until he sees all the other patients.
I’m going to divorce him no matter what.

- an event that is inevitable or whose cause is present/obvious

The bulding is going to collapse.

SIMPLE PRESENT for future:

- official arrangements (timetables, programming rewgarded as fixed and d4efinite, WILL
can bu used as well))
Their plane arrives a 2 o’clock in the morning.
The next meeting of the board is on Novermber 5th.
We get off the train at Bristol and continue by bus.
NOTE : Examples ‘I’ll be late from work tonight’ and ‘The company will make a good profit
next month’
would not seem inappropriate if ‘going to’ had been used, because the sense of the cause is
present in the speaker’s mind. The Simple Present is inappropriate with sentences dealing with
personal plans. BUT, the Simple Present can to used to make a definite, specific prediction
because an event is part of an official arrangement.
There is a full moon tonight.
The sun rises at 5.16 tomorrow.

- events that are to happen irrespective of the speaker’s will.

Tom retires in three years.
- calendar references.
Christmas is on a Tuesday next year.
Next week I start my sabbatical leave.

- to designate future actions or events in adverbial clauses of time, introduced by time

conjunctions such as after, before, when , as soon as, by the time (that), the moment (that),
until:
After you go another 50 metres, you’ll see a path to your left.
When you see Dennis, tell him he still owes me some money.
Wait here until I call you.
NOTE : When may introduce a noun clause, in which case the restriction of NOT using the future
in temporal clauses does not apply.
Compare :
 19

He will tell you (whatever you want to know) when he has the necessary information.(Adverbial
Clause of Time)
He will tell you when he will have the necessary information (noun clause, = he will inform you
on the moment he will get the information)

and in conditional clauses introduced by if, unless, in case and provided:

Let me know if you find out anything.
Provided the right software is available, the problem will be solved.
I’ll bring a compass in case we get lost.

NOTE: WILL may be used in a Time Clause or in a Conditional Clause in case it expresses
willingness , determination or agreement on the part of the subject

You’ll have to pay him before he will do anything.

Everything will be fine if you will cooperate.

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE for future :

- pre-established, arrangements (social and travel scheduling mainly), usually includes time
reference.
We are taking the 6 a.m. plane and are meeting Neil Jones at 10 in Boston.
Are you seeing Tony this week? (= do you have an arrangement to see him?)
NOTE : Intended or arranged future activities may also be reported by means of ‘going to’ future
BUT NOT by means of ‘will’ future.
Apparently the council are closing/aregoing to close the old library (NOT will close...)

NOTE : When designating an intention to do smth in the future, although no definite arrangement
has been made, ‘Going to’ is preferred to the Present Progressive. To describe a definite
arrangement, the Present Progressive is preferred.
Before I go to China next year, I’m going to learn some Cantonese (rather than I’m learning
some Cantonese)
Vs. They’re leaving from Frankfurt airport at 6.30 p.m. (rather than They’re going to leave...)
I’m still not feeling very well, so I think I’m going to see the doctor some time this week (rather
than I think I’m seeing the doctor)
vs. We’re having a party on Sunday, 12th November. Can you come? (rather than We’re going
to have...)
What are you going to do next, now that you’ve finished your course? (rather than What are you
doing next...)
vs. The orchestra is performing Mahler’s 5th Symphony at next week’s concert (rather than is
going to perform)

The present Progressive IS NOT used for the future:

- when making or reporting predictions about events that cannot be arranged or controlled
* I think it’s raining soon.
Scientists say that the satellite is falling (BUT will fall/is going to fall)
- when describing permanent future situations
* People are living longer in the future (BUT will libe/are going to live)
*The brothers are owning most building in the street before long ( BUT are going to own/will
own)
*Her new house is having three floors (BUT is going to have/will have)
 20

IS/ARE TO :
- formal arrangements
The President is to address the nation ia the next minutes.
- formal instructions
Children are not to be left unsupervised in the museum.
Students are not to leave the school without the principal’s permission.
The medicine is to be taken after meals.
- in news reports dealing with futiure events.
The European Parliament is to introduce a new law on safety at work.

BE ABOUT TO/ BE ON THE POINT OF, BE DUE TO:

The play is about to start now (immediacy)
Mary is on the point of bursting into tears (immediacy)
The gig is due to start in an hour (scheduled time)

FUTURE PROGRESSIVE

- an activity or event going on at a specific future moment or over a specific period of time
in the future:
Next Friday, The Mayor will be celebrating ten years in power.
The plane will be travelling at twice the speed of sound when it passes overhead.
After the operation you won’t be doing any sport for a while.
I will be expanding on that topic in my next lecture.

- an activity which is the result of a previous decision or arrangement:

He will be taking up his place at the university in July (result of a previous decision)
She will be performing every day until the end of the month (part of a schedule)

or of a routine activity:
We’ll be going to my brother’s house again for Christmas (we always go there)

- a series of future actions that make up a temporary arrangement:

We’ll be eating in the kitchen during the winter.
I’ll be seeing Tony on Tuesday. That’s when we usually meet.

CONCLUDING NOTE : Future Progressive refers to some future action or event that has been
previously arranged. WILL-future refers to decisions people have made, willingness to do things,
invitations, promises.
Future Progressive enhances politeness of expression. It is preferred to WILL-future when asking
about people’s plans
Are you starting work on the room today?
vs. Will you be starting work on the room today? You see, we hope to use it for a family dinner
tomorrow.(also Are you going to be starting work on the room today?)
What time are you coming to baby-sit?
vs. What time will you be coming to baby-sit? We have to be at the theatre by 7 o’clock.

SUM-UP EXAMPLES :
I’ll see him about it tomorrow (= making a promise or announcing a decision)
I’ll be seeing him tomorrow (the action is part of the normal/expected sequence of events)
 21

I’m seeing him about it tomorrow ( the event is part of a socially pre-arranged plan)

I’m giving a lesson a 2 tomorrow (the lesson will begin at 2)

I’ll be giving a lesson at 2 tomorrow (the lesson may already be in progress at 2)

EXERCISES :
1. Simple Future or Future Progressive? Complete the sentences with the simple or progressive
infinitive form of the verbs in brackets :
a. Will you (come) to the concert this evening? If so, we’ll (met) you there.
b. I’d rather you didn’t call tomorrow afternoon. I shall (entertain) visitors.
c. What do you think you’ll (do) at this time next year?
d. ‘Listeners who missed any of these talks may (like) to know that we shall (repeat) the whole
series during the next four weeks.’
e. I’ll see him next week, so I will (mention) it to him then.
f. I shall (work) late at the office this evening, so I won’t (get) home till about ten.
g. You’ll disaappoint her if you don’t go. Now that you’ve promised, she’ll (expect) you.
h. Do you think they’ll still (wait) for us when we get there?’ ‘Oh, yes! They won’t (go) till we
arrive.’
i. We can’t (make) any definitive plans for October, be4cause we may (move) house then.
j. When you arrive at the airport, an escort will (wait) for you. You’ll (recognize) him very
easily. He’ll (wear) a dark green suit and a yellow tie.

2. If possible, use the Present Simple of an appropriate verb to complete these sentences. If the
Present Simple is not correct, use will+infinitive.

1. Ellis’s new play ... at the Grand Theatre next week.

2. With more practice she ... an excellent violonist.
3. National No-Smoking Week ... on October 24th.
4. On tonight’s programme we ... to the deputy president about the latest unemployment figures.
5. In a few moments, I ... over there and give the signal to start running.
6. The eclipse ... at three minutes past midday.
7. Dr Brown ... available again at 9.00 tomorrow.
8. The door in front of us ... automatically in a few moments.
9. We ... Amsterdam on Tuesday morning, but we ... Sydney until Thursday evening.
10. I .... to the main point of my talk in a little while.

3. Choose a verb that can complete both sentences in the pair. Use will/won’t (+infinitive) in
one sentence and the Future Progressive (will/won’t be+ing) in the other.

drive go open organise tell try

1. a. Matsuki ... their first factory in Europe next year.

b. Here, give me the bottle. I ... it for you.
2.a. Keno ... to win his third gold medal in the next Olympics.
b. I ... to get over to see you, but I’ve got a very busy weekend coming up.
3. a. Sam ... to the dentist. He simply refuses to make an appointment.
b. I ... to the party, I’m afraid; I have to be in Spain that weekend.
4.a. ‘How old is he?’’I’ve no idea, but I’m sure he ... you if you ask him.’
b. In this programme I ... you how to cook duck in a lemon sauce.
5.a. It’s odd to think that this time tomorrow we ... to Madrid.
b. He ... anywhere without first looking at the road map.
 22

6.a. I won’t have time to meet you next weekend, I’m afraid. I ... the school timetable for next
year.
b. Perhaps John ... the games at the party. I’ll ask him. He’s good at that sort of thing.

FUTURE PERFECT

- used to indicate expectation as to an action/event being ended, completed, achieved BY a

specific point in the future.(the action/event is regarded as past with respect to the future
point of reference)
They will have reached the airport by now.
Next Thursday, I will have owned my present car for exactly 20 years.
When the tress are all cut down, the loss will have been irreparable.
Let’s hope the volcanic eruption will have finished before we arrive on the island.
By the time you get home I will have cleaned the house from top to bottom.
- used to express an assumption made by the speaker.
You won’t have heard the news, I assume.
Of course, they won’t have contacted him yet.
Assumedly/presumably, she won’t have pressed charges against her aggressor.

FUTURE PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

- used to emphasise how long an action/event has been unfolding BY a specific point in the
future (both the point of reference and the length of the action/event are usually mentioned)
On Saturday, we will have been living in this house for a year.
In 2004 I will have been working with the company for 30 years.
- NOT used with verbs describing states
Next month I will have known Derek for 20 years ( NOT will have been knowing)

PRACTICE

1.Choose a verb to complete the sentences. Use be to + infinitive if possible, and will + infinitive
if not.
appear arrive become begin feel fit move resign
1. A man ... in court today after a car he was driving killed two pedestrians.
2. The danger is that the bacteria ... more resistant to antibiotics over time.
3. The Environment Department has announced that it ... 2,000 jobs out of the capital.
4. When the news is broken to him, he ... both upset and angry.
5. Work ... this week on the new Thames bridge.
6. The Business Information Group said today that Brian Murdoch ... as its executive director.
7. We are all hoping that warmer weather ... soon.
8. No more than six people ... around the table comfortably.

2. Put the verb in brackets in a suitable future form (sometimes more than one form is possible):

4. Underline the future form which is most appropriate (HDWY 3/9 p.21):
a. So you've sold your house? When will you move/will you be moving?
b. Darling, I love you. Are you going to/will you marry me?
c. I hear you've been offered a new job. Do you/are you going to accept it or not?
d. Do you think they will find/will have found a way to stop people aging by the time they're old?
e. Yes, I'm sure one will have been found/will be found soon.
 23

f. Hurry up and buy your ticket. The train will leave/will be leaving soon, and I don't want to miss
it.
g. Which platform will it/does it leave from?
h. I forgot to ask a neighbour to look after the plants while we're away on holiday! When we get
home, they will all have died/will all die.
i.We're going to be late for the party. By the time we get there, all the others will be eating/will
have eaten, and there'll be/there's going to be nothing left for us.

THE FUTURE SEEN FROM THE PAST

To designate an action/event anticipated as future from a specific past moment, we can use
the past forms of the grammatical ways of expressing the future:

THE FUTURE SEEN FROM THE PRESENT THE FUTURE SEEN FROM A PAST
MOMENT MOMENT

The new computer will arrive next week. Our computer was broken and we hoped the
new one would arrive soon.
I’m going to grow tomatoes this summer. During that winter I decided I was going to
grow tomatoes the next summer.
I’m collecting my mother from the station this I left the meeting early because I was
afternoon. collecting my mother at 3.30.
As it’s raining, I think I’ll be going home by Jane said that she would be going home by taxi
taxi. because of the rain.
The exam was so easy that most people would
The exam will have finished by 3, so I’ll see have finished after 30 minutes.
you then. I was on holiday in Greece when I heard there
The Prime Minister has announced that there is was to be an election back home.
to be an election on May 1st. She was given a tour of the factory where she
The workers are to be transferred to a new was to be transferred.
factory on the outskirts of town. The performance was about to begin when
The new performance is about to begin. Please someone started screaming.
take your seats.

Unfulfilled past events: Grammatical forms expressing future actions as seen from the past do
not specify whether those actions DID or DID NOT HAPPEN
BUT: In some cases, the co-text indicates whether the action/event materialised or not.

I was seeing Jim later that day, but I had to phone and cancel (= I didn’t see Jim)
I didn’t phone to break the news to him because we were seeing each other later. He was upset
when I told him (= we saw each other)
They left the house at 6.00 and would reach Edinburgh some 12 hours later (=they reache4d
Edinburgh)
He was sure that the medical tests would show that he was healthy (= we don’t know whether he
was healthy or not)

TO BE TO (past form) + INFINITIVE == something that did actually happen

VS TO BE TO + PAST PARTICIPLE == something that had been arranged, but failed to happen.
 24

At the time he was the best actor in the company, but in fact some of his colleagues were to
become more renowned. (and they did become)
He was to find out years later that the house he had lived in had been haunted. (and he did find
out)
I was to have helped with the performance, but I went down with flu the day before. (and I did
not help)
There was to have been a ban on smoking in restaurants, but owners forced the council to
reconsider (there was no ban after all)

PRACTICE:

1. Put if the underlines verbs are already correct. If they are wrong, correct them.
1. I’m sorry, I didn’t think the noise will disturb anyone.
2. Where were you? I thought you were going to wait for me?
3. We were discussing your case tomorrow, so I’ll be able to give you an answer soon.
4. I never thought that I would be spending my holiday in hospital, but there I was.
5. I hope the building work would have finished by the time we get there.
6. At the height of her popularity her face is to be seen on ads all over the country.
7. The council has announced that the housing estate is to be demolished.
8. I was about to report him missing, when he walked through the door.

2. Put the verb in brackets in an appropriate form to express future seen from the past :
a. Henry! Good Lord! I forgot you... (come) for supper. That means you’ll have to put up with
potluck!
b. The police ... (charge) me with robbery, but I finally managed to persuade them they had the
wrong person.
c. The start of the film was dreadful. I hoped it ... (get) better, but it was the most pathetic
tearjerker I had ever seen.
d. I went to bed early as I ... (leave) for New York the next day, and I wanted to feel refreshed
when I arrived.
e. She didn’t worry about her son, Tom. He was a sensible boy, and she knew he ... (take) care
of himself.
f. A: Did I tell you about the wedding?
B: No. You ... (show) me the photos, but we were interrupted.
g. Our last holiday was disastruous. We ... (go) away to Austria, but I broke my arm, so we
couldn’t drive, and the children got the measles, so we had to cancel it at the last moment.
h. I ... just ... (ring) the receptionist to say that the TV was not working in my room when the
engineer arrived to fix it.
i. I had invited Pat and Peter for supper at 8.00, but I didn’t start getting things ready until 7.30
because I knew they ... (be) late. They always were.
j. Aren’t you Annie Croft? Do you remember me? Last time I saw you, you ... (emigrate) to
Canada! Did you?